IT WON'T BE LONG NOW
Words by Howard Johnson, music by Irving Bibo
New York: Bibo, Bloedon & Lang, ©1926.
As sung by Billy Jones & Ernest Hare (The Happiness Boys)

—Did you notice, Bill, that I'd stopped biting my fingernails?
—Yes, I did, Ernie, and they look very good.
—Say, Bill, do you file your nails?
—No, no, Ernie. No, no, I just cut them and throw them away.
—It won't be long now, Bill. You know it appears to me that you feel happy today.
—Very happy.
—Well, bet you I can guess.
—Guess what?
—Come on, Bill. Confess.
—Confess what?
—Why there's a reason why you're feeling gay.
—Certainly there's a reason. I've got no more blues. Just got dandy news.
—Yes.
—But I'm here to say—
—Say it. Say it.

It won't be long now. It won't be long now.
Somebody said we're gonna be wed real soon.
Yes, it won't be long now. It won't be long now.
Life'll be sunny after your honeymoon.
We'll build a bungalow and we'll pay for it on installments.
A dollar a week, you certainly can't go wrong.
No, sir! And if we're able, we'll buy a cradle.
Giddyap, Father Time. It won't be long.

—You know, Bill, time just drags along.
—Yes.
—Everything seems wrong—
—Well—
—When you want a thing that you can't get.
—Yes, it does. But the time just flies, and smiles light up your eyes.
Then you're sure to bet—

It won't be long now. It won't be long now.
Hundreds of years ago someone sang these words.
Yes, it won't be long now. It won't be long now.
Strange as it seems, 'twas used by those ancient birds.
You know, a fellow named Samson loved a girl named Delilah.
His head of hair so long made him very strong,
But Lila craved it, and when she shaved it,
She was the first to sing, "It won't be long."

It won't be long now. It won't be long now.
Soon we'll be finished singing this song to you.
It won't be long now. It won't be long now.
Maybe you'll feel so happy when we are through.
For you may think that this ditty we have just sung is novel,
And we'll be very glad if you like our song,
For then you'll strum it, and then you'll hum it.
Giddyap, Father Time. It won't be long.