Reuben and Rachel
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Reuben and Rachel is a tradiational song written by Harry Birch (words) and William Gooch (melody). Originally published in 1871, the song has regained popularity as a children's song.
The article includes the lyrics in context as part of a planned discussion of the song's evolution. The song was published in 1871, so therefore the lyrics are public domain.
[edit] Lyrics
Reuben, Reuben, I've been thinking
What a queer world this would be
If the men were all transported
Far beyond the Northern Sea!
Rachel, Rachel, I've been thinking
What a queer world this would be
If the girls were all transported
Far beyond the Northern Sea!
Chorus:
Too-ral-loo-ral-loo, Too-ral-loo-ral,
Too-ral-loo-ral-loo, Too-ral-lee
Far beyond the Northern Sea!
Reuben, Reuben, I've been thinking
Life would be so easy then;
What a lovely world this would be
If there were no tiresome men!
Rachel, Rachel, I've been thinking
Life would be so easy then;
What a lovely world this would be
If you'd leave it to the men!
(Chorus)
Reuben, Reuben, I've been thinking
If we went beyond the seas,
All the men would follow after
Like a swarm of bumble-bees!
Rachel, Rachel, I've been thinking
If we went beyond the seas,
All the girls would follow after
Like a swarm of honey-bees!

