A popular song from 1920.
words by Otto Harbach
music by Louis Achille Hirsch
Presented by George M. Cohan in the musical comedy “Mary”, sung by Jack and Mary. It was also published as an instrumental in 1921.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- (Mary sings)
Many builders there have been
Since the world began
Palace, cottage, mansion, Inn
They have built for man
Some were small, and some were tall
Long or wide or low
But the best one of them all
Jack built long ago
‘Twas built in bygone days
Yet millions sing its praise
Refrain
Just a love nest, cozy and warm
Like a dove rest, down on a farm
A veranda with some sort of clinging vine
Then a kitchen where some rambler roses twine
Then a small room, tea set of blue
Best of all room, dream room for two
Better than a palace with a gilded dome
Is a love nest, you can call home
- (Jack sings)
Building houses still goes on
Now as well as then
Ancient Jack and Jill are gone
Yet return again
Ever comes the question old
Shall we build for pride
Or shall brick and mortar hold
Warmth and love inside?
(Mary sings)
The answer you may know
Jack solved it long ago
Sung here by Fred Feild: