A popular song from 1919.
Words by Roger Lewis.
Music by Ernie Erdman.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. Talk about the pyramids of Egypt
Rave about the ruins of the Nile
Talk about the great Sahara desert
I know a place that’s got it beat a mile
They called it once the land of many drinks
But now it’s just as silent as the spinx
Chorus:
Come with me to a great American Desert
We’ll ride a camel down Manhattan Isle
We’ll see the wondrous tomb of Rectors
Built in the night by Police inspectors
Where natives used to dance in style
Come with me to the Pyramids of Broadway
Ruins of the cabarets we’ll see
We’ll find many mysterious places
Blind pigs lead us to a fair Oasis c
Come to the great American desert with me
2. Talk about the reign of King Bazazza
Deserts great he ruled with magic hand
Let me tell you of King Prohibition
Who made a fertile country dry as sand
He turned the trick one day at Washington
And now the flowing bowl has ceased to flow
Chorus:
Come with me to a great American Desert
We’ll ride a camel down Manhattan Isle
We’ll see the wondrous tomb of Rectors
Built in the night by Police inspectors
Where natives used to dance in style
Come with me to the Pyramids of Broadway
Ruins of the cabarets we’ll see
Old King Barleycorn, greatest of Rummies
Holds first place among the pickled Mummies
Come to the great American desert with me