A Bird In The Hand - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
A BIRD IN THE HAND. Copyright, 1891, by Francis, Day & Hunter. Words and Music by Joseph Tabrar. 
I once heard my dear mother say 'twas wicked to be poor, And that possession was at least a good nine points in law; So, as the first young man I had endeavored to deceive, I exercised the practice which I'd been taught to believe: 
Chorus. A bird in the hand's worth two in the bush at any time, A bird in the hand's worth two in the bush at any time; He bought me a diamond ring-well, you can understand. He had the bird in the bush and I had the ring on my hand. 
When quite a mite my dad taught me to say things off by heart, Amongst which was, "When racing, see you always get a start." Right to his ev'ry letter, I have acted my life through, Remembering dad's advice when I took sweetheart number two: 
Chorus. A bird in the hand's worth two in the hush at any time, A bird in the hand's worth two in the bush at any time; He bought me a sealskin coat, the "tecs "were on his track, He had the bird in the bush and I had the coat on my back. 
"As early birds catch early worms," Ma said one afternoon; "In case you may get caught, my darling, never rise too soon." The following day I 'rose at ten and met a little Joss, Then, hearing he was extra rich, I caught his eye, because-
Chorus. A bird in the hand's worth two in the bush at any time, A bird in the hand's worth two in the bush at any time; He bought me a pony and trap, and when we had to part. He had the bird in the bush and I had the pony and cart. 
I gave up courting for the time, then made another start With Mister Jones, who played me for his money or his heart. We played at cards; the idea was that there should be no "spoof;" If he won I became his wife, thinks I besides he's "off." 
Chorus. A bird in the hand's worth two in the bush at any time, A bird in the hand's worth two in the bush at any time; I won a terrible lot-well, more than you'd believe -He had the Jack and the King and I had the Ace up my sleeve.