A popular song from 1912
Words and music by Irving Berlin
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- Two old sweethearts met the other day
On a crowded car and started talking
“I’m so glad to see you,” said the maid
“Let’s get off the car and do some walking”
“Pardon me,” said the fellow with a sigh
“Things that have happen’d don’t allow
Walks we had in the days gone by
Are walks we can’t have now”
Chorus:
I’d like to take you walking
But I’m afraid, pretty maid, I’m afraid
What’s the good of talking
When I’m afraid, pretty maid, I’m afraid
I’m married now and my walking days are done
My wife’s right hand weighs a half a ton
Gee! I’d like to have a little bit of fun
But I’m afraid, pretty maid, I’m afraid
- “I’m so sorry,” said the married man
“I’d enjoy a couple of your kisses
But my wife aims like nobody can
Any time she throws she never misses
My wife went to a magic school to learn
She’s a magician, never fear!
If she knew, I’m afraid she’d turn
My nose into an ear
Chorus:
I’d like to take you walking
But I’m afraid, pretty maid, I’m afraid
What’s the good of talking
When I’m afraid, pretty maid, I’m afraid
My wife believes that a woman shouldn’t talk
Only with a poker or a fork
Gee! I’d like to take you for a walk
But I’m afraid, pretty maid, I’m afraid
Sung here by Laurence Rubenstein: