From the show “Girl Crazy”, 1930.
Words by Ira Gershwin.
Music by George Gershwin.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- Have some pity on an Easterner
Show a little sympathy
No one could possibly be sterner
Than you have been with me
There’s a job that I’m applying for
Let me put it to you thus:
It’s a partnership I’m dying for
Mr. and Mrs. Us
Before you file it on the shelf
Let me tell you of myself
Chorus
Oh, I’m the chappie to make you happy
I’ll tie your shoeses and chase your blueses
Oh lady, would you
Oh tell me, could you use me?
I’d shake the mat out and put the cat out
I’d clean the garret and feed the parrot
Oh lady, would you
Oh tell me, could you use me?
Do you realize what a good man
You’re getting in me?
I’m no Elk or Mason or Woodman
Who gets home at three
The girls who see me grow soft and dreamy
But I’m a gander who won’t philander
Oh could you use me?
‘Cause I certainly could use you
- There’s a chap I know in Mexico
Who’s as strong as he can be
Eating nails and drinking Texaco
He is the type for me
There is one in California
More romantic far than you
When he sings “ha cha cha chornia”
I often think he’ll do
But as for you, sir, I’m afraid
You will never make the grade
Chorus
For you’re no cowboy, you’re soft, and how, boy
I feel no muscle that’s fit for tussle
I must refuse you, I cannot use you, ‘scuse me
No night life for you, the birds would bore you
The cows won’t know you, a horse would throw you
You silly man, you, to ask me “Can you use me?”
Though at love you may be a wizard
I’m wanting to know
Could you warm me up in a blizzard
Say, forty below
Your ties are freakish, your knees look weakish
Go back to flappers and highball lappers
Though you can use me
I most certainly can’t use you
Sung here by Fred Feild: