Go Easy, Mabel

DESCRIPTION: Percy dates Mabel Fitch, who thought "he was rich and didn't have to work." He begs her "If you can't go easy, Mabel, go as easy as you can." They marry; she becomes pregnant. When he learns she expects four children, he again begs for restraing
AUTHOR: Words: Ben Shields, Will D. Cobb & Ed Moran / Music: Fred Helf
EARLIEST DATE: 1909 (recording, Edward Meeker)
LONG DESCRIPTION: Ribbon clerk Percy is on a date with Mabel Fitch, who thought "he was rich and didn't have to work." He hears her ordering extravagantly and pleads with her to restrain herself, asking "If you can't go easy, Mabel, go as easy as you can." She expresses astonishment at "a millionaire that's broke." They marry, and after a year she is pregnant. The doctor and nurse arrive; the nurse holds up fingers signifying the number of babies about to arrive; when she shows four fingers young Percy reacts -- "PDQ he pleaded through the keyhole in the door," "Go easy, Mabel; Mabel if you love your Percy, cease, oh goodness gracious mercy" and again, "Mabel if you can't go easy, go as easy as you can."
KEYWORDS: courting marriage food humorous pregnancy childbirth baby children husband wife
FOUND IN: US
RECORDINGS:
Delmore Bros., "Go Easy Mabel" (Bluebird B-8204, 1939; on Protobilly)
Edward Meeker, "Go Easy Mabel" (CYL: Edison 10173, 1909; on Protobilly)
CROSS-REFERENCES:
cf. "Bill Morgan and His Gal" (theme: the date that eats and drinks unbelievable quantities) and references there
File: RcGoEaMa

Go to the Ballad Search form
Go to the Ballad Index Song List

Go to the Ballad Index Instructions
Go to the Ballad Index Bibliography or Discography