(Won’t You Give That Harem To Me), 1919.
Words by Alex Gerber.
Music by Abner Silver.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- I had a dream last night that was immense
I dreamed that I was at the Peace Conference
Where England and France and Italy
Each got her share of her indemnity
And after they divided up the dish
They asked me if there’s anything that I’d wish
I was so shy, I thought they’d die
When I made this reply
Chorus
Give me the Harem, the old Sultan’s Harem
That’s the only thing I crave
The Sultan’s too old, for he’s past eighty-three
And his thousand wives need a fellow like me
I’ll never beat them, with kindness I’ll greet them
And all that I ask is a trial
Imagine me sitting on a carpeted floor
Telling my slave to bring me wife “Ninety-four”
I’ll be so gallant, I’m chucked full of talent
Won’t you give that Harem to me?
- The diplomats all listened to my plea
They wondered just what was the matter with me
But I kept on asking for a trial
I tried to show them it was worth the while
Just then they asked if I was qualified
And I replied, “You folks will be satisfied”
I’ll prove to you, that I’ll be true
But here’s what you must do
Sung here by Vancha March: