From the musical “YIP YIP YAPHANK,” 1918.
Words and Music by Irving Berlin.
Cover Art by Albert W. Barbelle.
Copyright ©26 Aug 1918.
Also used in “ALEXANDER’S RAGTIME BAND,” 1938.
Sheet Music from the collection of Michael Deatz.
The sheet music (Cover Art by Albert W. Barbelle):
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
Mother dear, I’ve just finished mess
And I’m here in the Y.M.C.A.
How I’ve missed your tender caress
Since the day when I marched away
But don’t worry, dear, I’m contented here
What is more I’m feeling fine
Everything’s all right, dear
And every night I will drop you a line
Chorus
You can picture me every evening
At the close of the day
Writing a little letter in the Y.M.C.A.
Don’t you worry mother darling
For while the skies are gray
I can always find a little sunshine
In the Y.M.C.A.