THE NIGHTINGALE SINGS (Troubadour Song)

Do you happen to know of a maiden in need
Of a sweeetheart? Here's one who is anxious to plead
It's a shame that a handsome young fellow like me
Should be left while the nightingale sings in the tree.
It's a shame that a handsome young fellow like me
Should be left while the nightingale sings in the tree.

In the wood and the meadow, beneath the bright moon,
Every lad with his lass makes the most of the June.
The world's gone a-wooing, excepting of me,
While the nightingale sings to his mate in the tree.
The world's gone a-wooing, excepting of me,
While the nightingale sings to his mate in the tree.

The time, it is short; there is none I can spare
For the nightingale's song will soon die in the air.
Don't you think, dearest Phyllis, you'd better agree
To make love while the nightingale sings in the tree?
Don't you think, dearest Phyllis, you'd better agree
To make love while the nightingale sings in the tree?

From the singing of Burl Ives, early 50s.
DRO^^

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Click to play

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Note: You'll find "Troubadour Song" on page 45 of the 1955 edition of Song Fest. Two differences (see italics above):
• please instead of plead
• And instead of while
-Joe Offer, November, 2010-