You can hear this at YouTube:


THE GIRL ACROSS THE WAY
As recorded by Mr. Flotsam and Mr. Jetsam, 1928.

Why do you stand at the window
At this time ev’ry day?
What keeps you patiently standing there,
Watching the street with an eager stare?
Won’t you tell me your secret?
There’s a kind of look in your face.
There’s a gleam in your eyes
That makes me surmise
There’s a woman in the case.

I’d like to know someday
That girl across the way.
I wonder what she’d say
Were I to her waylay
And bravely say: “Hello!
I have admired you so.
I wonder if you go
With any special beau?”
Now would that maiden fair
Hand me what’s called the air?
Would she right then and there
Give me one icy stare?
When in my bed I curl,
My brain is half awhirl
About that little girl
Across the way.

You’ve got it bad, haven’t you?
I know I have!

See, see, there she goes!
Do you mean the one with the turned-up nose?
I’d like to wave; do you think I ought?
To the one with a skirt that’s a bit too short?
Yes, yes, and the Eaton crop.
And the funny little red hat stuck on top?
The alligator bag and the sable fur.
Are you really keen on knowing her?

I’ll have you meet today
That girl across the way.
No need for more delay;
I’ll simply call out: “Hey!
A fellow clubman here
Who claims to be sincere,
Has gone a trifle queer
Because of you, my dear.”
That little mademoiselle
Will cross the street pell-mell
And then you’ll hear that girl
Tell me to go to—
Well! You see, my private life
Includes that storm and strife.
That is my little wife
Across the way.

I’m awfully sorry!
(laughs) So am I!

- - -
The Eton crop