“The Magic Glass”

Description

"I went one night with a high-priced thirst to loaf in a booze bazaar." The singer, glancing at himself in the mirror, sees a "cringing bum" -- then looks again and it's gone. The bartender says that the "Magic Glass" lets men see what they might become

Notes

Dean's version ends with the bartender explaining the Magic Glass -- but one has to suspect that the full song goes on to have the singer swear off drinking. Though what *I'd* like is to know why a bartender would be so foolish as to install a glass that would scare off his customers. Obviously some people would approve -- but those people aren't going to become bartenders!

References

  1. Dean, p. 130, "The Magic Glass" (1 text)
  2. Roud #9586
  3. BI, Dean130A

About

Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1922 (Dean)
Keywords: drink warning
Found in: US(MW)