Popular Ballad of the Year 1934.
Words and Music by Cole Porter.
Dedicated to Elsa Maxwell.
Cover Art by Benjamin “jorj” Harris.
Copyright ©18 Apr 1934.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics:
Miss Otis regrets she’s unable to lunch today, Madam,
Miss Otis regrets she’s unable to lunch today.
She is sorry to be delayed,
But last evening down in Lover’s Lane she strayed, Madam,
Miss Otis regrets she’s unable to lunch today.
When she woke up and found that her dream of love was gone, Madam,
She ran to the man who had led her so far astray,
And from under her velvet gown
She drew a gun and shot her lover down, Madam,
Miss Otis regrets she’s unable to lunch today.
When the mob came and got her and dragged her from the jail, Madam,
They strung her upon the old willow across the way,
And the moment before she died,
She lifted up her lovely head and cried Madam,
“Miss Otis regrets she’s unable to lunch today.”
Sung by Laurence Rubenstein: