I’m the Guy Who Guards the Harem (ZIEGFELD FOLLIES OF 1919)

(And My Heart’s in My Work).
From “ZIEGFELD FOLLIES OF 1919,” 1919.
Words and Music by Irving Berlin.
Cover Art Henry Clive.
Copyright ©30 Sep 1919.
Sheet Music from the collection of Michael Deatz.


The sheet music:


Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:


Lyrics

When the Sultan goes out on a spree
He presents me with the harem key
Every Turk in Turkey envies me
For I’ve got the best job in Turkey

Chorus:
I’m the guy who guards the harem
When the Sultan goes away
I’m a conscientious Turk
And my heart is in my work
The Sultan tells me that I earn my pay
While he’s gone I keep them happy
And it keeps the wheels a-working in my knob
If the Sultan ever saw the way I guard his harem
He would go out and engage someone
To stand guard over me
I’m the guy who guards the harem
And I wouldn’t take a million for my job


Sung by Laurence Rubenstein: