A popular song from 1903
Words by Harry J. Breen.
Music by T. Mayo Geary.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. When the frost goes away, and the sun comes to stay
Then it’s summer and fun is beginning
For the girls and the boys, it brings many joys
And the young folks they then have their inning
Your ballrooms in winter, can never compare
To the places in summer you know
You ride on a trolly to get the fresh air
And sing this song when things get slow
CHORUS
I wish the band would play
I wish the band would play
A Tw0-step or Lancers, a waltz or Quadrille
Any old thing for I cannot keep still
I wish the band would play
The songs we hear each day
With the music before us
We’ll all sing the chorus
“I wish the band would play”
2. When your days work is through
And you’ve nothing to do
Take the girl you love best out a strolling
Hold your head up with pride
When she’s by your side
For to be in love is so consoling
Don’t take up her time by telling her tales
While the dancers are gliding along
Show the girl of your choice
That you have a good voice
And join with the crowd in this song