AND THE GREEN GRASS GREW ALL AROUND
(Music: Harry Von Tilzer / Lyrics: William Jerome)


Walter Van Brunt - 1913
American Quartet (Lead vocal: Billy Murray) - 1913



Little Johnny Green, Little Sally Brown 
Spooning in the park with the grass all around
Underneath a tree, they were making love
Gazing at the silver stars above
 
John said, "Sally, our love will grow" 
"I've got money", said Sal, "you know
And if you will share my lot
I'll give you all I've got"

And the green grass grew all around, all around, all around
And each little bird in the tree top high 
Said, "Oh, you kid" and winked his eye
And the green grass grew all around, all around, on the ground

"With all your gold my turtle dove"
Said he, "How can you doubt my love?" 
And the green grass grew all around, all around 
And the green grass grew all around
 
Head upon his breast, Little Sally Brown
Coochie-coochie-coo with the grass all around
Now and then a kiss, then a loving sigh
What would Popsy do if Ma should die
 
"John,"  said Sally, "When we are wed 
I'll bring breakfast to you in bed" 
"Come on, dear, just one more squeeze 
Give me your bank book please"

And the green grass grew all around, all around, all around
And each little bird in the tree top high 
Said, "Oh, you kid, you're some wise guy"
And the green grass grew all around, all around, on the ground

John fancied he'd heard someone say 
"There's always one born every day" 
And the green grass grew all around, all around 
And the green grass grew all around

After they were wed, "I can cook," she said 
Fried a piece of steak with the grass all around 
Made some biscuits too, which poor Johnny ate
Doctor came, but then it was too late

John delirious starts to rave 
Three days after he's in his grave 
All his happy days are gone 
Home cooking killed poor John

And the green grass grew all around, all around, all around 
And each little bird in the tree top high 
Sang, "Oh you, John, goodbye, goodbye"
And the green grass grew all around, all around, upon the ground

The biscuits he could not digest 
Were laid away with John to rest
And the green grass grew all around, all around
And the green grass grew all around



(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - May 2017)