From the musical “Watch Your Step”, 1915
Words and music by Irving Berlin.
Published as part of the Piano-Vocal Score ©27 Jan 1915.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
Office hours, office hours
From the moment you arrive
Keep alive from nine till five
It’s a strain on one’s brain
For dictation brings vexation
When you’ve been out
Dancing about on a spree
Such as we’ve been out on
Bright lights shining, gay folks dining
What a night! oh, what a lovely night
Shoulder shakers, merry makers
What a sight! oh, what a lovely sight
I got home at half past four
Father started in to roar
“You’ve got to go to work at seven oclock
This morning, “How I grumbled
As I tumbled out of bed
I tumbled out of bed
No more laughter, morning after
What a head! oh, what an awful head
In the dizzy business world
Heaven help a working girl
After having such a wonderful night
I’ve a little note that I’d like to send
Won’t you take it down for me
It’s a little note to a lady friend
I’m in love with her, you see
If t’will make you feel much better
I’ll typewrite your little letter
Keep it in the dark, not a word
I depend that you treat it confidentially
Dictate Sir, Dictate Sir
Please dictate your letter
Don’t wait Sir, don’t wait sir
I’m quite ready now
Dear little girl, a sweet word or two
First I’ll explain why I’m writing to you
I couldn’t say what is wrapped in my heart
That’s why I’m sending this letter
My tale of love to impart
I love you, dear, with all my heart
And I have loved you from the start
In my lonesome life
Full of care, of strife
You play a most important part
Just say the word, and we will fly
Into the little church near by
If you change from Miss to Missis
I will know what bliss is
And my love and kisses, good bye
Now will you give me the address
Address it to yourself, dear
This is quite sudden, I confess
Say yes, say yes, say yes, dear
Have you bought the ring
I have everything
Where will I get my wedding dress?
Wear the dress your mother wore
Will you be near me night and day
I’ll never leave your sight, dear
Will you do everything I say?
I may, I can hear the choir singing
Bells will soon be ringing
Ting a ling a linging away