Hortense

A 1921 popular song.
Words by Sam M. Lewis and Joe Young.
Music by Walter Donaldson.


The sheet music:


Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:


Lyrics

  1. The other day I met a jay
    His name was Hezekiah
    I had to grin to hear him chin
    About his heart’s desire
    I said I bet your little pet
    Is just a real vampire
    He answered, “Hey there pal
    she ain’t that kinda gal”

Chorus
Oh! oh! oh! my sweet Hortense
She ain’t good lookin’
But she’s got good sense
Before I kiss Hortense
I always buy a nickel’s worth of peppermints
Rain makes flowers pretty I hear
I hope it pours on her for a year
That would be immense
Yer never met a gal like sweet Hortense

  1. And by the way I’d like to say
    He took ‘er to the preacher
    The preacher said come right ahead
    I’m mighty glad to meet yer
    He whispered, “Hez, the good book says
    That you’re a lucky creature”
    And when he kissed the bride
    “We’re even,” Hezie cried

Chorus
Oh! oh! oh! my sweet Hortense
She ain’t good lookin’
But she’s got good sense
Before I kiss Hortense
I always buy a nickel’s worth of peppermints
She’s got dandy teeth in her mouth
One points north and the other points south
Say they’re both immense
Yer never met a gal like sweet Hortense