The lyrics below are from the sheet music at Indiana University. You can also hear a recording by the McNulty Family—with lyrics only slightly different—at The Internet Archive, where it is item #6 (called "Track 16") on the menu.


NOVELTY SONG OF THE CENTURY
BEDELIA
THE IRISH COON* SONG SERENADE
Words by William Jerome; music by Jean Schwartz.
New York: Shapiro, Bernstein & Co., ©1903.

1. There's a charming Irish lady with a roguish winning way
Who has kept my heart a-bumpin' and a-jumpin' night and day.
She's a flower from Killarney with a Tipperary smile.
She's the best that ever came from Erin's isle,
And I find myself a-singing all the while.

CHORUS: Bedelia, I want to steal ye.
Bedelia, I love you so.
I'll be your Chauncey Olcott if you'll be my Molly O'.
Say something, sweet Bedelia.
Your voice I like to hear.
Oh Bedelia, elia, elia,
I've made up my mind to steal ye, steal ye, steal ye,
Bedelia dear.

2. If you love me, Bedelia, half as much as I love you,
There is nothing in this world can ever cut our love in two,
For I'll give you all my money on the day that we are wed.
I will cook for you and even bake the bread,
And I'll even bring your breakfast up to bed.


[* I don't see any justification for calling this a "coon song," but that's what it says on the cover.]