Saturday, June 7, 2014

At the Music Hall: Daisy Bell/A Bicycle Built for Two



There is a flower within my heart,
Daisy, Daisy,
Planted one day by a glancing dart,
Planted by Daisy Bell.
Whether she loves me or loves me not
Sometimes it's hard to tell,
And yet I am longing to share the lot
Of beautiful Daisy Bell.


Chorus:
Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer, do,
I'm half crazy all for the love of you.
It won't be a stylish marriage -
I can't afford a carriage,
But you'd look sweet on the seat
Of a bicycle built for two.


We will go tandem as man and wife,
Daisy, Daisy,
Ped'ling away down the road of life,
I and my Daisy Bell.
When the road's dark, we can both despise
P'licemen and lamps as well.
There are bright lights in the dazzling eyes
Of beautiful Daisy Bell.


(Chorus)


Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer, do...
I will stand by you in wheel or woe
Daisy, Daisy,
You'll be the bell which I'll ring you know
Sweet little Daisy Bell
You'll take the lead on each trip we take
Then if I don't do well
I will permit you to use the brake
beautiful Daisy Bell


(Chorus)


Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer, do...


Though most people refer to this song as “Bicycle Built for Two,” it’s actual title is "Daisy Bell.” It was composed by Harry Dacre in 1892 and has since been a very popular song, often used in contemporary programming to convey a sense of the past.

Another popular version of the song arose in the style of an answer-song wherein there are two choruses—the original, and, then another in which Daisy refuses her suitor. Usually, the jilted suitor is called Harry in honor of the author of the lyrics.

Here are the lyrics to the “Answer Song” version.
Harry, Harry
Here is my answer true.
I can't cycle, for I get black and blue.
If you can't afford a carriage
There won't be any marriage.
For I'll be switched if I'll be hitched
On a bicycle built for two.


Or: 



Harry, Harry
Here is my answer true.
I'd be crazy if I were to marry you.
If you can't afford a carriage
You can't afford a marriage.
And I'll be damned if I'll be crammed
On a bicycle built for two.



No comments: