Creator(s): Bain News Service, publisher
Date Created/Published: [between ca. 1910 and ca. 1915]
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA
I am taking a pass on Old Postcard Wednesday this week (and maybe next) because I am serving on the Grand Jury in my county for the next two weeks. Our group looks nothing at all like the gentlemen in the Grand Jury photo above. A bit over 400 people had been summoned on Monday morning to report for jury duty and they were all wearing pants except me. No, I was not the only woman in the room, not by a long shot, but I was the only woman who had selected a dress from her closet to wear to court that morning. And all wearing pants were in totally casual attire, looking nothing like the Grand Jury members in the photo. When the judge released everyone else and swore in the 14 of us (two groups of seven members each) he then told us to enjoy doing our civic duty, etc., etc., and to dress so that "victims will feel comfortable" testifying in front of us. Wednesday morning, therefore, I will be wearing jeans like the rest of them.
We were warned that we will be hearing some "terrible things." People do awful things to one another, and life is damn hard for so many......which leads me to this old song below. Life is short so let's make this day a positive one. Smile at a stranger, make a donation to charity, give your kid or your pet an extra half-hour of your attention, and give yourself some moments of solitude. Take care, my friends.
AIN'T IT GRAND TO BE BLOOMING WELL DEAD !
(Leslie Sarony) - 1932
Lately there's nothing but trouble, grief and strife.
There's not much attraction about this bloomin' life.
Last night I dreamt I was bloomin' well dead.
As I went to the funeral, I bloomin' well said:
Look at the flowers, bloomin' great orchids.
Ain't it grand, to be bloomin' well dead!
And look at the corfin, bloomin' great 'andles.
Ain't it grand, to be bloomin' well dead!
I felt so 'appy to think that I'd popped off.
I said to a bloke with a nasty, 'acking cough:
Look at the black 'earse, bloomin' great 'orses.
Ain't it grand, to be bloomin' well dead!
Look at the bearers, all in their frock coats.
Ain't it grand, to be bloomin' well dead!
And look at their top 'ats, polished with Guinness.
Ain't it grand, to be bloomin' well dead!
Some people there were praying for me soul.
I said, "It's the first time I've been off the dole."
Look at the mourners, bloomin' well sozzled.
Ain't it grand, to be bloomin' well dead!
Look at the children, bloomin' excited.
Ain't it grand, to be bloomin' well dead!
Look at the neighbours, bloomin' delighted.
Ain't it grand, to be bloomin' well dead!
"Spend the insurance," I murmured, "for — Alack! —
You know that I shan't be with you going back."
Look at the Missus, bloomin' well laughin'.
Ain't it grand, to be bloomin' well dead!
Look at me Sister, bloomin new 'at on.
Ain't it grand, to be bloomin' well dead!
And look at me Brother, bloomin' cigar on.
Ain't it grand, to be bloomin' well dead!
We come from clay and we all go back they say.
So don't aim a brick — it might be your Auntie May.
Look at me Grandma, bloomin' old hay-bag.
Ain't it grand, to be bloomin' well dead!
.
