Title on Cover: “When I Hear You Play That Piano, Bill.”
A popular song from 1910.
Words by Irving Berlin.
Music by Ted Snyder.
Cover Art by John Frew.
Copyright ©16 Mar 1910.
Sheet Music from the collection of Michael Deatz.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- Said Miss Eliza Johnson to William Brown
“Up to my home you I invite
Call around some Sunday night
I’d love to have you play my piano upright”
Said Mister William Brown, “The pleasure is mine
I can assure you lady fair”
He called around next day
And started in to play
Just to hear Eliza declare
Chorus
When I hear you play that piano so sweet
My blood runs cold way down to my feet
You sure do bring forth music
Like I never heard before
When you start in playing rag by the streak
I could hear you play that box for a week
For it does most anything but speak
When you play that piano, Bill
- Said Mister William Brown, “I can’t help but blush
Because Miss Lize you flatter so
I only play the worst I know
While at my best to beat me so it must go”
Then Miss Eliza answered, “What’s that you say?
You only played the worst you knew!
Sweet William, I can guess how you play at your best
But the worst right now will do”