Base ball song and chorus, 1867
Words by Bisco
Music by L. B. Starkweather
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by Denese Coulbeck:
Lyrics
- Come jolly comrade, here’s the game
That’s played in open air
Where clerks and all the indoor men
Can profit by a share
‘Twill make the weak man strong again
‘Twill brighten every eye
And all who need such exercise
Should catch it on the “Fly”
Chorus:
Play away, play away
Catch it on the “Fly”
When you go to bat, boys
Send it thro’ the sky
For oh! “Regulation”
Wherever you may go
Brightens up the countenance
And makes a healthy show
- It takes nine men to make a side
Who play upon the square
The Umpire settles all disputes
And occupies the chair
The Scorer keeps the “tally” list
And with a watchful eye
The Captains send the men around
To catch it on the “Fly” - The Pitcher sends the ball to bat
While standing in the square
The Catcher just behind “Home Base”
Must catch it foul or fair
The Fielders Centre, Right and Left
Are gazing at the sky
All watching for the ball to come
To catch it on the “Fly” - Then when a challenge game is played
All dressed in bright array
They march to meet a brother club
And have a gala day
‘Tis then the neighbors gather ’round
Excitement runs up high
For both are bound to beat and win
In catching on the “Fly” - Throughout the East, throughout the West
The game is all the rage
And many a game is often played
Before the wise and sage
It puts the vim right into a man
‘Twill raise his spirits high
And make him live to good old age
To catch it on the “Fly”
Sung by Laurence Rubenstein: