From the musical “Everything,” 1918.
Words and Music by Irving Berlin.
Cover Art by Albert W. Barbelle.
Copyright ©27 Aug 1918.
Sheet Music from the collection of Michael Deatz.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- Honey, did you see that bill
Pasted there on yonder hill?
Kindly pay attention
To what the letters mention
‘Twill give you a wonderful thrill
Chase away those weary blues
Ain’t you heard the happy news?
Chorus:
‘Circus is coming to town
‘Circus is coming to town
Two dozen acrobats from o’er the foam
And Salome, Hip-hip-hippodrome
Come see the comical clown
Turning himself upside-down
Come and purchase a photograph
Of the freaks and the big giraffe
Open your dining room and start to laugh
The circus is coming to town
- Come and see the big parade
Jazzy music will be played
Just before we’re seated
I’ll see that you are treated
To peanuts and red lemonade
Barnum had the right idea
Come and give him one big cheer
Sung by Laurence Rubenstein: