From The Lester S. Levy Collection of Sheet Music (or click for a PDF file):


I'D BE A BLOOMER
Words, Ernest H. Reed. Music, James Perring
London: T.E. Purday, [no date].

I'd be a Bloomer dashing and light,
Gay as a fairy that trips thro' the night.
Careless of those who look coldly on me,
I'd be a Bloomer merry and free.

What though a maiden be fair as a flow'r,
The spell of her brightness ne'er scatters its pow'r,
For forms full of beauty that move but to bless,
Are lost in the folds of an ill-fashion'd dress.

I'd be a Bloomer dashing and light,
Gay as a fairy that trips thro' the night.
Careless of those who look coldly on me,
I'd be a Bloomer dashing and free;
Dashing and free, dashing and free,
I'd be a Bloomer dashing and free.

Though maidens may frown when they gaze at my feet,
And tell me my trousers are most indiscreet,
I know 'tis with envy alone they repine,
That theirs do not prove so attractive as mine.

Shall I throw my Costume to humour the prude,
Who breathes only scandal and whispers me rude?
No, though she clings to the fashion that suits,
Give me the lov'd Tunic, Hat, Trousers, and Boots.

I'd be a Bloomer dashing and light,
Gay as a fairy that trips thro' the night.
Careless of those who look coldly on me,
I'd be a Bloomer dashing and free;
Dashing and free, dashing and free,
I'd be a Bloomer dashing and free.