A popular song from 1908.
Words by Harry Williams.
Music by Egbert Van Alstyne.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- Old Peters was a “Patsy”
His wifey ruled the day
He didn’t dare go out at night
Unless she was away
So, once he took the family
And put them on the boat
Said he, “Go out and have some fun
But I must be the goat”
Then Peters dashed uptown
And said to bachelor Brown
Chorus:
“It looks to me like a big night tonight
Big night tonight, big night tonight
For when the old cat’s away
Why the mice want to play
And it looks like a big night tonight”
- They started out that evening
To paint the bloomin’ town
Said Peters, “Let’s be devilish”
“I’m with you, sir,” said Brown
They got some chorus ladies
And took them out to dine
Then both of them decided
They would corner all the wine
And every time it came
They’d warble this refrain
Chorus:
“It looks to me like a big night tonight
Big night tonight, big night tonight
I sent the folks out to sea
But they can’t see through me
So, it looks like a big night tonight”
- Old Peters like a lily
Began to fade away
They piled him in a cab
And took him home at break of day
But when they turned the corner
He gave a fearful shout
A light was in the window
And his wife was peeking out
“Don’t leave me, boys,” said he
“My finish I can see.”
Chorus:
“It looks to me like a big night tonight
Big night tonight, big night tonight
I sent the folks out to sea
But they’re home Holy Gee!
Boys, it looks like a big night tonight”
Sung here by Vancha March: