From the comedy opera “The Firefly”, 1912.
words by Otto Hauerbach
music by Rudolf Friml
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- Ladies fair, ladies fair, hear me
I’ve something new to tell to you
If I please, if I please, cheer me
But don’t forget your pennies, too
Ladies fair, ladies fair, heed me
I’m going to give you good advice
Man and maid, man and maid, need me
I have a secret without price
Maidens who with love thoughts burn
Lads who for sweet ladies yearn
Hear me! come gather near me
This simple lesson you all should learn
Chorus
Love is like a firefly that glimmers by
And dies while it is gleaming
Therefore when you see it nigh
You must be very spry, ever sly, never shy
When within her twinkling eye
You see the tender lovelight brightly beaming
Fortune try! embrace her while you may
Or she will say, “Goodbye”
- Ladies fair, if you care dearly
Delightful wedding steps to take
Angle not, dangle not, clearly
The stoutest strings are known to break
Gentlemen, be you then wary
If a flower comes to view
Pick it quick, turn the trick, very
Much as though it were your due
Therefore do not hesitate
Do not make a maiden wait
Snatch her, if you would catch her
Or you will find it is all too late
Sung here by Fred Feild: