A popular song from 1935
Words and music by Michael Carr
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
James has been butler to Mister B.
For fifty years come August three
And he still remembers the night
Of his master’s tragedy
Master’s best friend was a Mister J.
James didn’t like him from the first day
He knew his type and the game they play
That night James laid dinner as usual for two
And the air felt as heavy as lead
The master came down
There were tears in his eyes
And he tried hard to smile as he said
Refrain:
Dinner for one, please James
Madam will not be dining
Yes, you may bring the wine in
Love plays such funny games
Dinner for one, please James
Close madam’s room, we’ve parted
Please don’t look so downhearted
Love plays such funny games
Seems my best friend told her of another
I had no chance to deny
You know there has never been another
Someday she’ll find out the lie
Maybe she’s not to blame
Leave me with silent hours
No, don’t move her favorite flowers
Dinner for one, please James
Sung by Laurence Rubenstein: