The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #74125   Message #4216654
Posted By: Jim Dixon
04-Feb-25 - 10:48 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Since Henry Ford Apologized To Me
Subject: Lyr Add: SINCE HENRY FORD APOLOGIZED TO ME
When The Happiness Boys recorded their version, they adapted the song to make it into a dialog/duet (as was their habit), which required changing some pronouns from “I” to “you,” changing statements into questions (as well as other minor changes), and adding some patter. I thought it would be good to have the original lyrics. From the sheet music at Baylor University. Note there is no third verse.


SINCE HENRY FORD APOLOGIZED TO ME
Words by Billy Rose and Ballard MacDonald, music by Dave Stamper, ©1927.
“Introduced by Jimmy Hussey in Rufus Le Maire's Le Maire's Affairs (2nd edition)."

VERSE 1. I don't mind telling you I'm so happy I could cry.
I’m feeling simply great! I’m gonna celebrate.
I bought myself a quart of hootch, a collar, and a tie,
And if you see me making whoopee, here’s my alibi:

CHORUS 1: I was sad and I was blue,
But now I'm just as good as you,
    Since Henry Ford apologized to me.
I’ve thrown away my little Chevrolet
And bought myself a Ford coupé.
I told the sup'rintendent
That the Dearborn Independent
    Doesn't have to hang up where it used to be.
I’m happy now because he settled up his case.
I'm sorry that I cut my nose to spite my race.
I’m glad he changed his point of view,
And I like even Edsel too,
    Since Henry Ford apologized to me.

VERSE 2. When I heard he would be in town, I wrote him in advance
And asked him please to drop around to see my shop.
I said I was a tailor and I offered him a chance
To get a suit of clothes at cost including extra pants.

CHORUS 2: To even up for what he did,
I bought a tractor for the kid,
    Since Henry Ford apologized to me.
My mother says she'll feed him if he calls
Gefilte fish and matzoh balls.
And if he runs for President,
I wouldn't charge a single cent.
    I'll cast my ballot absolutely free.
He's got an aviator for his new machine.
Instead of Charlie Lindbergh, he's got Charles Levine.
I had a cold and how it hoit!
But I don't suffer in Detroit,
    Since Henry Ford apologized to me.