An American song made famous first in England, 1891.
words and music by Henry J. Sayers
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Accompaniment by Benjamin R. Tubb:
Lyrics
- A smart and stylish girl you see
Belle of good society
Not too strict, but rather free
Yet as right as right can be
Never forward, never bold
Not too hot and not too cold
But the very thing, I’m told
That in your arms you’d like to hold
Chorus
Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay! Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!
Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay! Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!
Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay! Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!
Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay! Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!
- I’m not extravagantly shy
And when a nice young man is nigh
For his heart I have a try
And faint away with tearful cry
When the good young man, in haste
Will support me round the waist
I don’t come to, while thus embraced
Till of my lips he steals a taste - I’m a timid flower of innocence
Pa says that I have no sense
I’m one eternal big expense
But men say that I’m just immense
Ere my verses I conclude
I’d like it known and understood
Though free as air, I’m never rude
I’m not too bad and not too good - You should see me out with Pa
Prim, and most particular
The young men say, “Ah, there you are!”
And Pa says, “That’s peculiar!”
“It’s like their cheek!” I say, and so
Off again with Pa I go
He’s quite satisfied – although
When his back’s turned – well, you know - When with swells I’m out to dine
All my hunger I resign
Taste the food, and sip the wine
No such daintiness as mine
But when I am all alone
For shortcomings I atone
No old frumps to stare like stone
Chops and chicken on my own - Sometimes Pa says, with a frown
“Soon you’ll have to settle down
Have to wear your wedding gown
Be the strictest wife in town”
Well, it must come by and by
When wed, to keep quiet I’ll try
But till then I shall not sigh
I shall still go in for my…
Sung here by Fred Feild: