What Can We Lose?

Bob Nolan
Original copyright: September 24, 1985

Once upon a time, so the storybooks tell,
Mr. *Lochinvar and his ladylove fell for love’s forget-me-not.
Oh, darling, tell me, what can we lose?
We two can take a little tip from the lovers of old
And tie the wedding knot.
Let the wonders be told of how we cared a lot.
So, darling, tell me—what can we lose?

There’s Mr. Robin and his dreamy mate nodding.
They seem to say, dear, “Don’t you dare hesitate. It’s late!”
So, dream along with me of a heart made of two,
Perhaps a little tot dressed in pink or in blue.
I’ve got you on the spot.
Now, darling, tell me, what can we lose?

For every girl there’s sure to be a boy to say,
“I’ve been waiting just for you.”
But that’s been going on since Father Time was born,
So tell me, what can we lose?

Once upon a time, so the storybooks tell,
Mr. Lochinvar and his ladylove fell for love’s forget-me-not.
Oh, darling, tell me, what can we lose?
We two can take a little tip from the lovers of old
And tie the wedding knot.
Let the wonders be told of how we cared a lot.
So, darling, tell me—what can we lose?

There’s Mr. Robin and his dreamy mate nodding.
They seem to say, dear, “Don’t you dare hesitate. It’s late!”
So, dream along with me of a heart made of two,
Perhaps a little tot dressed in pink or in blue.
I’ve got you on the spot.
Now, darling, tell me, what can we lose?

Not a thing. Not a blessed thing!

*Lochinvar was the hero of a ballad in Sir Walter Scott’s Marmion, who boldly rides off with his sweetheart just as she is about to be married to another.

A homemade demo of this cheerful little ditty was found among Bob Nolan's effects by his daughter, Roberta Mileusnich. Bob had considered that the song had possibilities and he made a rough demo on his own machine. His grandson, Calin, transferred it from the fragile record to cassette tape and his mother distributed it to members of the Western Music Association over the years. It was never commercially recorded. The words have been transcribed from the demo and we have been unable to find a lead sheet for it. It was registered for copyright posthumously on September 24, 1985.

All the Way (Bob Nolan Music, Inc)