The song is Supper Time, written by Irving Berlin for the 1933 show "As Thousands Cheer", where Ethel Waters introduced it. I thought I had this on tape, but the only tape I can find the moment doesn't have this song on it. The words are here, taken from this site Sing365.com
Ella Fitzgerald also recorded it on the Irving Berlin Songbook record.
Mick
SUPPER TIME
(Irving Berlin)
Supper time -
I should set the table,
'Cause it's supper time;
Somehow I'm not able,
'Cause that man o'mine
Ain't comin' home no more
Supper time -
Kids will soon be yellin'
For their supper time;
How'll I keep from tellin' that
That man o'mine
Ain't comin' home no more?
How'll I keep explainin'
When they ask me where he's gone?
How'll I keep from cryin'
When I bring their supper on?
How can I remind them
To pray at their humble board?
How can I be thankful
When they start to thank the Lord?
Lord!
Supper time,
I should set the table
'Cause it's supper time;
Somehow I'm not able,
'Cause that man o'mine
Ain't comin' home no more,
Ain't comin' home no more.
Lyrics verified and correct with The Complete Lyrics of Irving Berlin, edited by Robert Kimball and Linda Emmet, 2001.
-Joe Offer-