From the 1935 film “All the King’s Horses”
Words and music by Sam Coslow
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
If I should bring you jewels rare
So dazzling and beyond compare
The luster in your eyes would put
Them all to shame
The offering of love I bring
Is just a very little thing
A simple souvenir
That’s far, far more sincere
Refrain:
For I bring a little white gardenia
As refreshing as a day in May
You may wear it if you care
Or toss it away
If you look into this white gardenia
There’s a message there I dare not say
That I’ll let this little white gardenia convey
Who knows?
Tomorrow we may be together, or so far apart
Take this token of my love
Cherish it and keep it close to your heart
If our paths should ever cross again, dear
Accidentally or by fate’s design
If you wear a little white gardenia
I’ll know you are mine