From the “MUSIC BOX REVUE,” 1921. Words and Music by Irving Berlin. Arranged by Charles N. Grant. Cover Art by William Bòlin. Copyright ©6 Oct 1921. Sheet Music from the collection of Michael Deatz.
Sheet Music
Accompaniment
Lyrics
“Pearls mean tears” is a saying old
Years ago it was found I’m told
In a legend I’ll disclose
Here’s how the story goes
Once a maid on her wedding day
Lost her love who had sailed away
His ship returning home
Disappeared in the angry foam
Beside the sea she sat and cried
A most unhappy girl
And ev’ry tear that fell below
Became a precious pearl
Chorus
Strings of teardrops
That you and I call pearls
Fell from the eyes of a beautiful bride
Who sat and cried by the seaside
And when a crown of silver
Replaced her golden curls
She had spent all her years
Shedding sad little tears
Just to make your string of pearls