Don’t let on, don’t say she broke my heart/
I’d go down on my knees but it’s no good to pine.

The musicianship in The Herman’s Hermits’ “Mrs. Brown (You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter)” is rather minimalist but the rich melody and great story make for a great song. The author goes to his ex-girlfriends house to return the things of hers that she left at his house because she broke up with him. Her mom opens the door…

And thus, we hear the exchange between the narrator and Mrs. Brown. Herman likes Mrs. Brown, and tells her the truth about his feelings of heartbreak, but he asks her not to tell her daughter that her daughter broke his heart. He knows she no longer loves him…and its no good to pine!

“Mrs Brown You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter” works because it is kind of sweet and speaks of the end of a young love. We feel like the narrator will be back on the saddle in no time—with a woman who loves him. He sounds earnest and genuinely caring about Mrs Brown and her daughter.

The song is very well written and beautifully performed by the Herman’s Hermits–an underrated band from the 60s. Notice the seamless transition between bridge and verse. They go together perfectly. I think the melody of this song is great and I think this is a prime candidate for a cover.

Mrs. Brown You’ve Got A Lovely Daughter Lyrics

Mrs. Brown you’ve got a lovely daughter.
Girls as sharp as her are somethin’ rare.
But it’s sad, she doesn’t love me now,
She’s made it clear enough it ain’t no good to pine.

She wants to return those things I bought her.
Tell her she can keep them just the same.
Things have changed, she doesn’t love me now,
She’s made it clear enough it ain’t no good to pine.

Walkin’ about, even in a crowd, well
You’ll pick her out, makes a bloke feel so proud.

If she finds that I’ve been round to see you (round to see you),
Tell her that I’m well and feelin’ fine (feelin’ fine).
Don’t let on, don’t say she broke my heart,
I’d go down on my knees but it’s no good to pine.

Walkin’ about, even in a crowd, well
You’ll pick her out, makes a bloke feel so proud.

If she finds that I’ve been round to see you (round to see you)
Tell her that I’m well and feelin’ fine (feelin’ fine).
Don’t let on, don’t say she broke my heart;
I’d go down on my knees but it’s no good to pine.

Mrs. Brown you’ve got a lovely daughter (lovely daughter).
Mrs. Brown you’ve got a lovely daughter (lovely daughter).
Mrs. Brown you’ve got a lovely daughter (lovely daughter).
Mrs. Brown you’ve got a lovely daughter (lovely daughter).

Songwriters: Trevor Peacock