(Hairdressing Song)
From the musical “Mam’selle Sally”, 1906
Words by Robert B. Smith
Music by Raymond Hubbell
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. That beauty lies within the eyes
Is what some folks declare
But that’s not wise, your beauty lies
In how you wear your hair
For instance, one who has a head
Of wondrous form and beauty
Should take good care to fix her hair
To show it, it’s her duty
And that is something that is done
To marked perfection by me
And gives you what is know to one
The knot that’s called the Psyche
Refrain:
Hair dressing is now an art
that comes from La Belle Paree
And the skillful maid plays a leading part
At the head of Society
I’ll go to your home with a brush and comb
If you’ll send your coupe for me
Peroxide applied if you wish it dyed
By Mam’selle Sally
2. Now if you r face has not the trace
Of lines or wrinkles there
And the expression on your face
Is like a baby stare
If you’re the style that when you smile
You show a dotly dimple
Then you should have your hair appear
Like your expression, simple
And for this purpose there’s a mode
Named after it’s invertor
It’s called the Cleo de Merode
Or parted in the center
Refrain:
Hair dressing is now an art
that comes from La Belle Paree
And the skillful maid plays a leading part
At the head of Society
I’ll make you appear like a perfect dear
If you’ll pay the required fees
You’ll get such a wave as the sea might crave
At Mam’selle Sally’s
3. Oh now-a-days they’re many ways
Within the fair one’s reach
To bring upon herself the phrase
Of “Gee, but she’s a peach”
We’ll fancy now you have a brow
So lovely you can feel it
If that’s the case, you will allow
It’s foolish to conceal it
And if you wear a rat and your
Fair locks come off and hang up
I’ll dress them a la pompadour
Or what you might call “bang up”
Refrain:
Hair dressing is now an art
that comes from La Belle Paree
And the skillful maid plays a leading part
At the head of Society
If you were not there when they gave out hair
Just bring your poor head to me
A fully grown crop planted right on top
By Mam’selle Sally