From “The Little Duchess”, 1901.
Words by Harry B. Smith.
Music by Reginald De Koven.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- By de river when night is dark, (So dark)
What’s de music you hear dere?
Hark! (Oh hark)
Don’t you hear it on de breeze
Jes’ like de hummin’ o’ de bees? (Plink plunk)
It’s de serenade I sing, dat gal o’ mine
(Plink plunk, plink plunk)
Den to her I sing: (He tells her:)
Chorus
Chloe I’m waitin’ here in de moonlight
Waitin’ alone for you
Come, on de banjo, I’ll play a tune light
Tellin’ you dat my love is true
Oh, Chloe de moonbeams shine on de river
Come in my light canoe
(Come in my light canoe)
Under de stars/We will sail, my Chloe,
Jes’ for to bill and coo
- Round her cabin I linger late, (So late)
Cold I’m catchin’ here while I wait. (I wait)
If you make me catch a chill
Why who’s to pay de Doctor’s Bill? (Plink plunk)
Dat’s de way I talk to her, dat gal o’ mine
(Plink plunk, plink plunk)
Den to her I sing: (He tells her:)