Old Brown's Daughter
Great Big Sea · Turn [1999]
There is an ancient party at the other end of town.
He keeps a little grocery store, and the ancient's name is Brown.
He has a lovely daughter, such a treat i never saw.
Oh, i only hope someday to be the old man's son-in-law.
Old Brown sells from off his shelf most anything you please.
He's got juice hops for the little boys, lollipops and cheese.
His daughter minds the store and it's a treat to see her serve.
I'd like to run away with her but i dont have the nerve.
And it's Old Brown's daughter is a proper sort of girl.
Old Brown's daughter is as fair as any pearl.
I wish i was a Lord, Mayer, Marquee or an Earl.
And blow me if i woudn't marry Old Brown's girl.
Blow me if i woudn't marry Old Brown's girl.
Well poor Old Brown now has trouble with the gout.
He grumbles in his little parlour when he can't get out.
And when i make a a purchase, Lord, and she hands me the change...
That girl she makes me pulverized, i feel so very strange.
And it's Old Brown's daughter is a proper sort of girl.
Old Brown's daughter is as fair as any pearl.
I wish i was a Lord, Mayer, Marquee or an Earl.
And blow me if i woudn't marry Old Brown's girl.
Blow me if i woudn't marry Old Brown's girl.
Miss Brown, she smiles so sweetly when i say a tender word.
Oh, but Old Brown says that she must wed a Marquee or a Lord.
And i dont suppose it's ever one of those things i will be...
But, by jingo, next election i will run for Trinity!
And it's Old Brown's daughter is a proper sort of girl.
Old Brown's daughter is as fair as any pearl.
I wish i was a Lord, Mayer, Marquee or an Earl.
And blow me if i woudn't marry Old Brown's girl.
Blow me if i woudn't marry Old Brown's girl.
He keeps a little grocery store, and the ancient's name is Brown.
He has a lovely daughter, such a treat i never saw.
Oh, i only hope someday to be the old man's son-in-law.
Old Brown sells from off his shelf most anything you please.
He's got juice hops for the little boys, lollipops and cheese.
His daughter minds the store and it's a treat to see her serve.
I'd like to run away with her but i dont have the nerve.
And it's Old Brown's daughter is a proper sort of girl.
Old Brown's daughter is as fair as any pearl.
I wish i was a Lord, Mayer, Marquee or an Earl.
And blow me if i woudn't marry Old Brown's girl.
Blow me if i woudn't marry Old Brown's girl.
Well poor Old Brown now has trouble with the gout.
He grumbles in his little parlour when he can't get out.
And when i make a a purchase, Lord, and she hands me the change...
That girl she makes me pulverized, i feel so very strange.
And it's Old Brown's daughter is a proper sort of girl.
Old Brown's daughter is as fair as any pearl.
I wish i was a Lord, Mayer, Marquee or an Earl.
And blow me if i woudn't marry Old Brown's girl.
Blow me if i woudn't marry Old Brown's girl.
Miss Brown, she smiles so sweetly when i say a tender word.
Oh, but Old Brown says that she must wed a Marquee or a Lord.
And i dont suppose it's ever one of those things i will be...
But, by jingo, next election i will run for Trinity!
And it's Old Brown's daughter is a proper sort of girl.
Old Brown's daughter is as fair as any pearl.
I wish i was a Lord, Mayer, Marquee or an Earl.
And blow me if i woudn't marry Old Brown's girl.
Blow me if i woudn't marry Old Brown's girl.
Old Brown's Daughter
Released on the 1999 album Turn, Great Big Sea's "Old Brown's Daughter" stands as a quintessential example of their early folk-rock sound. The track features the band's signature blend of acoustic guitar, harmonica, and driving rhythms, capturing the raw energy of the late 90s British folk revival. As part of their discography from that era, the song reflects the group's ability to craft anthemic melodies rooted in traditional storytelling. Its inclusion on Turn highlights the band's commitment to a gritty, authentic aesthetic that would define their subsequent career, influencing a generation of indie and folk musicians who value organic instrumentation over polished production.