I'M AFRAID TO COME HOME IN THE DARK
From the Broadway Musical "A Knight For A Day" (1907)
(Music: Egbert Van Alstyne / Lyrics: Harry Williams)
Sallie Fisher (Broadway Production) - 1907
Arthur Collins - 1907
Billy Murray - 1908
Two Gay Dogs - 1908
Clarice Vance - 1908
Bob Roberts - 1908
Harry Fay - 1908
Ella Retford - 1908
Hetty King - 1908
Lloyd Morgan - 1912
Jonesie married Mabel, a wise old owl was he
He told his wife he never drank a stronger thing than tea
But after honeymooning, at night he stayed away
And for a week he never got home till the break of day
At last poor Mabel asked the reason why
Said Jones, "I'm goin' to tell the truth or die"
Baby dear, listen here
I'm afraid to come home in the dark
Ev'ry day the papers say a robbery in the park
So I sat alone in the Y.M.C.A.
Singing just like a lark
There's no place like home
But I couldn't come home in the dark
That night after dinner, he bade his wife adieu
Said she, "Oh no, its dark and so I'm going to go with you"
But somehow Jonesy shook her, for he was smooth as silk
He got home just in time to meet the man that brought the milk
His wife stood waiting for him on the stair
While Jonesie and the milkman sang this air
Baby dear, listen here
I'm afraid to come home in the dark
Ev'ry day the papers say a robbery in the park
So I sat alone in the Y.M.C.A.
Singing just like a lark
There's no place like home
But I couldn't come home in the dark
She kissed him good morning, to see him she was glad,
And when tucked him up in bed, said Jones, "I guess I'm bad"
Next day the same old story, he came home just at dawn
But he got sober right away when he found she was gone
At noon he heard her slam the garden gate
Said she to Jonesie, "Is my hat on straight?"
Baby dear, listen here
I'm afraid to come home in the dark
Ev'ry day the papers say a robbery in the park
So I sat alone in the C-A-F-E
Singing just like a lark
There's no place like home
But I couldn't come home in the dark
(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - July 2012)
