"The Blacked Oot Church Soiree" by Julia Fenton Gilbert

The Blacked Oot Church Soiree

Its a long time since I got a ticket, to go to a Church Soiree
We had one every Christmas, Bobby, Jimmy and me
But this one was quite special since it was really mine.
I kept it on the sideboard so I'd be in time.

The carriage called at seven, there was no need to hurry
Jean, Neil and I shared a car wi' Mrs Currie
We were taken tae the hall that's just ahint the Kirk
When we went inside the magic began to work

There was Helen wi' a torch, looking very smart
And Isa wi' a lighter, just to play her part
Someone had lit some candles and set them around the hall
The minister led the singing while waiting curtain call

The man that knows electrics worked a magic spell
The lights came on, the B.G's came as well
We had song and we had rhyme. The minutes fairly flew
We had tea and we had cake.  We met old friends we met new

This is the story o' the Blacked oot Church Soiree
But boy did we enjoy it, one of the best for me
Our escort was a gent who took us to our door
We were in before the curfew, who could ask for more

So if I make a promise to try my very best
Will someone in the Guild listen to my request
I'll be so good my voice you'll never hear
Can I come back next year?

Julia Fenton Gilbert