A WWI song from 1918.
Words by Sam Erhlich.
Music by Con Conrad.
Sheet music provided by Nicholas Leunissen:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- Rosie Green was a village queen
Who enlisted as a nurse
She waited for a chance
And left for France with an Ambulance
Rosie Green met a chap named Jean
A soldier from Paree
When he said, “Parlevous, my pet”
She said, “I will, but not just yet”
When he’d speak in French to her
She’d answer lovingly
Chorus
Oh Frenchy, Oh Frenchy, Frenchy
Although your language is so new to me
When you say “Oui oui, la la”
“We” means you and me, la la
Oh Frenchy, Oh Frenchy, Frenchy
You’ve won my love with your bravery
March on, march on, with any girl you see
But when you la la la la la
Oh Frenchy save your la la la’s for me
- Rosie Green married Soldier Jean
When his furlough time arrived
She said, “Go pack your grip
We’ll take a trip on a big steam ship”
Rosie Green took her Soldier Jean
Down home, some where in Maine
They say her rural Pa and Ma
Refused to do that ‘oo la la’
But when she’s alone with him
You’ll hear this same refrain
Sung here by Vancha March: