From the musical “Yip Yip Yaphank”, 1918
Words and music by Irving Berlin
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
Mother dear, I’ve just finished mess
And I’m here in the Y.M.C.A.
How I’ve missed your tender caress
Since the day when I marched away
But don’t worry, dear, I’m contented here
What is more I’m feeling fine
Everything’s all right, dear
And every night I will drop you a line
Chorus
You can picture me every evening
At the close of the day
Writing a little letter in the Y.M.C.A.
Don’t you worry mother darling
For while the skies are gray
I can always find a little sunshine
In the Y.M.C.A.