Subject: Lyr Add: BAMBOO LOU
From:
Art Thieme
Date: 08 Apr 99 - 12:30 AM
I got this song from my old friend, Judy Bright. Judy did one LP for Dot Records back in the 60s. It was a fine one...but, sadly, this song wasn't on it.
BAMBOO LOU (possibly by Joel Vance)
Once a month your ship comes in,
And I'm the eager wind that crowds the sail,
But I can spot you by your grin,
Out of all the girls that line the rail,
Fresh from China down the bay,
The butter ladies greet the charcoal men,
Shanghai pleasures for a yank,
Then at dawn they sail away again.
CHORUS)
Bamboo Lou, I miss you,
But I know that you don't miss me,
Do I pay for the things that you do,
Or do I pay for the things you say to me---so softly.
Couples walk along the beach,
The men are gallant as befits a lady's charm,
Then a parrot's handy screech,
Makes a lady fly into his arms,
Hard luck stories---poor, poor man,
The lady's lies---they're expected too,
That's not us, no, is it, Lou?
I'm not me---and you're not really you.
CHORUS
So, goodbye my Mandarin,
The ship is waiting and the captain calls the tide,
Here's a handsome piece of tin,
To show the other girls who is the best loved bride,
Seagulls scream and circle round,
The women laugh and they all sound the same,
And when at last your feet touch ground,
You will answer to a different name.
|
sj
