[1st verse:] Jack and May were newly-wed, a loving pair were they Until the other day, when Jack said to his May: "Tonight I have to talk some bus'ness with some bus'nessmen But rest assured that I'll return at ten" That night he left the flat, and simple wifey sat Up with the cat for Jack who never came The day was dawning when he rambled home again And said: "My darling, please let me explain": [Refrain:] I heard the clock strike One A.M. One A.M. One A.M. It told me of my promise when I left you in the hall Before I knew 'twas Two A.M. Three A.M. Four A.M. But you know I promised to be home at ten So I didn't go home at all [2nd verse:] Jack remarked, "It's eas'ly seen that I'm not all to blame My explanation's tame, it's true tho' just the same Much rather than disturb you from your slumber so divine I lingered just to pass away the time And then again you see, I didn't take the key Which proves that my intentions were the best I even said a pray'r that you might not despair Besides I knew how much you needed rest": [3rd verse:] Jack had been forgiven and the future seemed so bright Until the other night, his May was not in sight She went to see a sick friend but had promised to come back At sixty minutes after nine, to Jack At sixty minutes past next morn she came at last Her op'ning speech was "I've been with my friend Because they said she'd die, I wanted to be nigh And so I waited for the coming end":