[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A novelty Irish-American song with Irish folk material, 1903.
The Irish Coon Song Serenade
words by William Jerome
music by Jean Schwartz
The sheet music:
Accompaniment:
Lyrics
1. There’s a charming Irish lady with a roguish winning way
Who has kept my heart a-bumpin’ and a-jumpin’ night and day
She’s a flower from Killarney with a Tipperary smile
She’s the best that ever came from Erin’s isle
And I find myself a-singing all the while
Chorus
Bedelia, I want to steal ye. Bedelia, I love you so
I’ll be your Chauncey Olcott if you’ll be my Molly O’
Say something, sweet Bedelia. Your voice I like to hear
Oh Bedelia, elia, elia, I’ve made up my mind to
Steal ye, steal ye, steal ye, Bedelia dear
2. If you love me, Bedelia, half as much as I love you
There is nothing in this world can ever cut our love in two
For I’ll give you all my money on the day that we are wed
I will cook for you and even bake the bread
And I’ll even bring your breakfast up to bed?
Sung here by Fred Feild: