Three years ago,
since Jack and Joe
set sail across the foam,
Each vowed a fortune he would make
before returning home.
In one short year,
Jack gained his wealth
and started home that day
And when the pals shook hands to part,
poor Joe could only say
Give my love to Nellie, Jack,
kiss her once for me
The sweetest girl in all the world,
I'm sure you'll say it's she
Treat her kindly, Jack, old pal,
and tell her I am well
His parting words were,
don't forget to give my love to Nell
Three years had passed
when Joe at last
Gained wealth enough for life
He started home across the foam
To make sweet Nell his wife
But when he learned that Jack and Nell
One year ago had twinned
With sobs and tears,
he now regrets that he had ever said
Give my love to Nellie
Jack, kiss her once for me
The sweetest girl in all the world,
I'm sure you'll say it's she
Treat her kindly, Jack old pal,
tell her I am well
His parting words were,
don't forget to give my love to Nell
They chanced to meet up on the street,
Joe said, you selfish elf
The next girl that I learn to love,
I'll kiss her for myself
But all is fair in love, they say,
as you have gone and went
I'll not be angry with you, Jack,
and once again he said
Give my love to Nellie
Jack, miss her once for me
The sweetest girl in all the world,
I'm sure you'll say it's she
Treat her kindly, Jack,
old pal, tell her I am well
His parting words were,
Don't forget to give my love
to Nell