Ruby Paul Joseph's Song Lyrics

Joseph’s song
(Traditional tune ‘Sweet Lass of Richmond Hill’)
Ruby Paul original


To all assembled company we pray you now be still
And hearken ye both one and all unto the tale we’ll tell
Of Joseph here, our father dear
And what his life doth bring
Of Joseph here, now eighty years
Of Joseph we do sing
Refrain
Of Joseph we do sing, of Joseph we do sing
Of Joseph here now eighty years
Of Joseph we do sing

This child was born of humble home in 1925
To do his best and study hard
Young Joseph he did strive
A scholarship to grammar school then university
He soon excelled in science and as captain of rugby
Refrain
As captain of rugby, as captain of rugby
Although we scarce believe it now as captain of rugby

He very soon did graduate to undertake his work
And to the Capital he came to pursue his research
An enquiring mind, he longed to find
The answer to his test
He came to the conclusion that
Young Shirley was the best
Refrain
Young Shirley was the best, young Shirley was the best
He came to the conclusion that
Young Shirley was the best

They very soon got married and then had a family And within just six years were
born the brothers, one, two, three
The first was Paul, then Simon and Phil
To mum and dad’s delight
Such bonny boys brought many joys
Til they began to fight
Refrain
Til they began to fight, til they began to fight
Such bonny boys brought many joys
Til they began to fight

And then in time came down the line
Two sisters Jane and Mary
With brothers three, a family
The clan was soon complete
Five girls and boys, with lots of noise
Begin to shout and sing
When you are near, it’s hard to hear
Your voice above the din
Refrain
Your voice above the din, your voice above the din
When you are near, it’s hard to hear
Your voice above the din

Now we’ve grown, we’ve brought our own
To join the growing family
Husbands and wives and grandchildren
aged nineteen down to one
And now we’ve come, we’ve scarce begun
To celebrate your birthday
So with great cheer, let’s get a beer
Because the night is young
Refrain
Because the night is young, because the night is young
So with great cheer, let’s get a beer
Because the night is young