IF I ONLY HAD WINGS

(w. Sid Colin, m. Ronnie Aldrich)


As recorded by:
Geraldo & His Savoy Hotel Orchestra
V. Sid Colin
Recorded 16th November 1940



Ever since the day you're sworn in
Much too early in the morning
Someone wakes you, shivering, yawning
Sleepy little head
Back upon the pillow falling
Can you hear a voice a-calling
It's the sergeant gently bawling
Stand beside your bed
Rise and shine, ain't it fine
You've gotta get up, you've gotta get out
Before you know what it's all about
Hurry and dress, the sergeant's raving
Over boots and buttons slaving
No hot water left for shaving
Get out on parade
In the kitchen, washing dishes
Peeling spuds and cleaning fishes
I just keep on making wishes
Wish I had a trade
All day long I sing this plaintive song
I look through the window and look at the sky
And I wish, and I wish, oh I wish I could fly

If I only had wings
Oh what a difference it would make to things
All day long I'd be in the sky, up on high
Talking to the birdies that pass me by
How the fellows would stare
To see me roaring past them through the air
Never tiring of the thrill it brings
If I only had wings

I'd be so fearless and bold
That when the stories of my deeds were told
You'd see my picture in the papers
And they would proudly say
The RAF and me just had another good day

If I only had wings
One little pair of those elusive things
You would never hear me complain again
If I only had wings.

(Musical Break)

But still when all's said and done
There are more important things than just having fun
And if we all can pull together
And never, never stop
The RAF and me are gonna finish on top
If I only had wings
One little pair of those elusive things
You would never hear me complain again
If I only had wings.

Transcribed from John Wright's 78 RPM Record Collection





(Transcribed by Bill Huntley - February 2013)