Sung by Mrs Franklin at Vauxhall Gardens. Published in 1793.

Lyrics: Anon

I cannot help thinking I've oft been to blame,
When my tongue gave my wishes too frequent the lie;
And yet it's surprising I still do the same;
Was ever poor maid half so simple as I?
Young Harry has told me, too confident youth,
When I bantered his passion and took it amiss,
"Indeed, my dear girl, you do not speak the truth.
O never say no, never say no,
O never say no when you wish to say yes.
Never say no, never say no,
O never say no when you wish to say yes."

When last at the fair he would purchase a ring,
And vowed as a fairing he'd give it to me;
I found and rejected the glittering thing,
And vowed all my life to live happy and free.
"'Tis not such a thing, pretty maiden" he cried,
"No, no my sweet love, it is not, by this kiss,
You must and you shall, nay you will be a bride.
Come never say no, never say no,
O never say no when you wish to say yes.
Never say no, never say no,
O never say no when you wish to say yes."

I've thought ever since, what he said was too true,
And swear that the next time he's pressing and kind
I'll e'en to the parson without more ado,
And take the dear youth while he is in the mind.
And this I'll advise all the sex to be plain,
Nor trifle too long with a permanent bliss;
When a swain loves with honour, return it again.
Nor never say no, never say no,
O never say no when you wish to say yes.
Never say no, never say no,
O never say no when you wish to say yes.