Here are the lyrics with verses, from the sheet music at Baylor University:PLEASE DON'T TALK ABOUT ME WHEN I'M GONE
Words and music by Sidney Clare, Sam H. Stept, and Bee Palmer. ©1930.1. Years we've been together.
Seems we can't get along.
No matter what I do,
I don't appeal to you.
Makes no diff'rence whether
I am right or I'm wrong.
If we can't be sweethearts,
This much you can do:CHORUS: Please don't talk about me when I'm gone,
Oh, honey, though our friendship ceases from now on.
And listen: if you can't say anything real nice,
It's better not to talk at all; that's my advice.
We're parting; you go your way; I'll go mine; it's best that we do.
Here's a kiss; I hope that this brings lots of luck to you.
Makes no difference how I carry on.
Remember, please don't talk about me when I'm gone.2. Just before our parting,
Something I want to say:
I'm really sorry now
For ev'ry broken vow.
Sweetheart, now you're starting
On your own little way.
One thing please remember
In your mind somehow: CHORUS.
[The Online 78-rpm Discographical Project lists recordings by the following artists: Gene Austin, Eubie Blake & His Orchestra, Harry Chrysler (Organ), Colonial Club Orchestra (Young), Joe Costa, Sammy Davis Jr, Doris Day & Frank Comstock Orchestra, Dinning Sisters, Everglades Orchestra, Five Rhythm Kings, Erroll Garner, Ernie Golden & His Orchestra, Eddie Heywood & His Orchestra, Tiny Hill & His Orchestra, Mildred Hunt, Sammy Kaye, Andy Kirk & Clouds of Joy, Gene Krupa's Jazz Trio, Bert Lown Biltmore Hotel Orchestra, John Martin & His Orchestra, Mills Merrymakers, Frankie Newton & His Orchestra, Frank Newton Uptown Serenaders, Piano Red, Teddy Raph & His Orchestra (Selvin), Johnnie Ray, Fred Rich & His Orchestra, Ross Rhythm Rascals, Frankie Sanders, Andy Sanella's Penzoil Orchestra, Karl Sherman & His Orchestra, Kate Smith W Jack Miller, Ethel Waters & Her Ebony 4. (And of course there have been many more in the LP and CD era.)
[The Red Hot Jazz Archive has playable recordings by Ethel Waters, and by The Barney Bigard Sextet (1945). However, I am having difficulty playing them. (It might be my computer.)]