From “Connie’s Hot Chocolates”, 1936
Words by Sammy Cahn
Music by Saul Chaplin
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
Though you haven’t many toys
You don’t envy any boys
Every day’s a work day
Your work is just a game
I’d like to sing your praise
But I don’t know your name
You’re just a
Chorus
Shoe shine boy, you work hard all day
Shoe shine boy, got no time to play
Every nickel helps a lot
So, shine, shine, shoe shine boy
You find joy in the things you do
Shoe shine boy, seldom ever blue
You’re content with what you’ve got
So shine, shine, shoe shine boy
People look at you with scorn
‘Cause your clothes are worn and torn
Still you never whine
You keep looking up and down the street
Pleading with each one you meet
“Brother, can you spare a shine?”
Shoe shine boy, soon the day will come
Shoe shine boy, soon a tune you’ll hum
Every nickel helps a lot
So shine, shine, shoe shine boy
Sung here by Laurence Rubenstein: