Never Been There Before

Never Been There Before is a popular Newfoundland folk song. It was written by Johnny Burke (1851-1930), a popular St. John's balladeer.

Lyrics

She'd never been there before

A young man asked her recently

To come and sit upon his knee

He tickled her in the ribs

And he filled her with delight

She'd never been there before

But now she goes there every night

Me sister Sue was always such a silly little goon

She never really understood the proper way to swoon

A young man asked her recently to sit upon his knee

When she at last consented she behaved so bashfully

She'd never been there before

She seemed so proud when Mr Brown

Began to bounce her up and down

He tickled her in the ribs

And he thrilled her with delight

She'd never been there before

But now she goes there every night

A friend of mine whose husband was a stingy little man

Resolved herself to work upon a good old fashion plan

While Willy was sleeping fast that night she said I'll take a chance

Got out of bed and dove into the pockets of Willy's pants

She'd never been there before

But she was awful pleased to see

That Willy was sleeping peacefully

She only took half a buck

And it filled her with delight

She'd never been there before

But now she goes there every night

One night a burly policeman was walking on his beat

He happened to shine his flashlight in the alley down the street

The cook was standing in the door she said oh deary me

I feel so terrible lonesome will you keep me company

He'd never been there before

He gave the cook a regular treat

Along with a lovely roast of meat

He tickled her in the ribs

And he filled her with delight

She'd never been there before

But now she goes there every night