Tit Willow

On a tree by a river a little tom-tit
Sang "Willow, tit willow, tit willow"
And I said "little Dicky-bird, why do you sit
Singing 'Willow, tit willow, tit willow'"
"Is it weakness of intellect, birdie?" I cried
"Or a rather tough worm in your little inside"
With a shake of his poor little head, he replied
"Oh, willow, tit willow, tit willow!"

He beat on his breast as he perched on his bough
Singing "Willow, tit willow, tit willow"
And a cold perspiration bespangled his brow
Oh, willow, tit willow, tit willow
He sobbed and he sighed and a gurgle he gave
Then he threw himself into a billowy wave
And an echo arose from his suicide's grave
"Oh, willow, tit willow, tit willow"

Now I feel just as sure as I'm sure that my name's
Not Willow, tit willow, tit willow
It was blighted affection that made him exclaim
"Oh, willow, tit willow, tit willow"
And if you remain callous and obdurate, I
Shall perish as he did, and you will know why
Though I probably shall not exclaim as I die
"Oh, willow, tit willow, tit willow"