From “THE CANARY,” 1918. Words and Music by Irving Berlin. Cover Art by Albert W. Barbelle. Copyright ©15 Oct 1918. Sheet Music from the collection of Michael Deatz.
Sheet Music
Accompaniment
Lyrics
The Tom, Dick or Harry, that I ever marry
Will have to be a dancer
Before he gets my answer
I’m not much at dancing
But as for romancing
I know a thing or two
But that would never do
Why wouldn’t it?
Chorus:
I wouldn’t give “that”
For the man who couldn’t dance
If only a little bit
He’d have to take a chance
For when the band starts playing a lively air
That’s when he’ll have to be there
With a light fantastic, very elastic
I wouldn’t waste one little tiny little glance
No matter how very much
He spoke about romance
He may be handsome, wealthy
Full of personality
I wouldn’t give “that” for the man
Who couldn’t dance with me