From the 1948 musical “Kiss Me Kate”
Words and music by Cole Porter
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
I know a boy, my favorite gent
He gives me joy but not a cent
I could never love a lad more
Yet, to be frank
I’d be happier if he had more cash in the bank
Each time we try romantic flights
He begs for my exclusive rights
My reaction is to give in
But the risin’ cost of living’
Fills my heart with fear
So I always say to him, “Listen, dear
Refrain:
If a custom-tailored vet
Asks me out for something wet
When the vet begins to pet
I cry “Hooray!”
But I’m always true to you, darlin’, in my fashion
Yes, I’m always true to you, darlin’, in my way
I’ve been asked to have a meal
By a big tycoon in steel
If the meal includes a deal
Accept I may
But I’m always true to you, darlin’, in my fashion
Yes, I’m always true to you, darlin’, in my way
There’s an oil man known as “Tex”
Who is keen to give me checks
And his checks, I fear, mean that “Tex”
Is here to stay!
But I’m always true to you, darlin’, in my fashion
Yes, I’m always true to you, darlin’, in my way
Refrain:
From Ohio, Mister Thorne
Calls me up from night ’til morn
Mister Thorne once cornered corn
And that ain’t hay
But I’m always true to you, darlin’, in my fashion
Yes, I’m always true to you, darlin’, in my way
From Milwaukee, Mister Fritz
Often dines me at the Ritz
Mister Fritz invented Schlitz
And Schlitz must pay
But I’m always true to you, darlin’, in my fashion
Yes, I’m always true to you, darlin’, in my way
Mister Harris, plutocrat
Wants to give my cheek a pat
If the Harris pat means a Paris hat, Bébé!
But I’m always true to you, darlin’, in my fashion
Yes, I’m always true to you, darlin’, in my way