[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
Words and Music by Irving Berlin.
Revised from “Sterling Silver Moon” in “YIP YIP YAPHANK,” 1918.
See story on that song’s page in Sheet Music Singer.
Used in “ZIEGFELD FOLLIES OF 1919,” 1919.
Cover Art by Henry Clive.
Copyright ©26 Jun 1919.
Also used in “KID MILLIONS,” 1934 film.
Sheet Music from the collection of Michael Deatz.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
I was strolling out one evening
By the silv’ry moon;
I could hear somebody singing
A familiar tune.
So I stopped a while to listen;
Not a word I wanted to miss.
It was just somebody serenading
Something like this:
CHORUS:
Mandy, there’s a minister handy,
And it sure would be dandy
If we’d let him make a fee.
So don’t you linger;
Here’s the ring for your finger—
Isn’t it a humdinger?
Come along and let the wedding chimes
Bring happy times
For Mandy and me.
Sung by Fred Feild: