GOOD-BYE, LITTLE YELLOW BIRD 
(from "The Picture of Dorian Gray")
Lyrics by Charles William Murphy - 
Music by William Hargreaves

Angela Lansbury and the MGM studio orchestra


The snow was very plentiful, 
And crumbs were very few
When a weather-beaten sparrow 
Through a mansion window flew.
Her eye fell on a golden cage;
A sweet love song she heard,
Sung by a pet canary there,
A handsome yellow bird.
He said to her: "Miss Sparrow,
I've been struck by Cupid's arrow.
Would you share my cage with me?"
She looked up at his castle,
with its ribbon and its tassel,
and in a plaintive tone said she:

"Good-bye, little yellow bird. 
I'd rather brave the cold
On a leafless tree
Than a prisoner be
In a cage of gold.

The spoiled and petted yellow bird
Could scarce believe it true
That a common sparrow should refuse
A bird with blood so blue.
He told her the advantages
Of riches and of gold.
She answered that her liberties
For gold could not be sold.
She said "I must be going."
But he cried "No, no, its snowing,
And the wintry winds do blow.
Stay with me, my little dearie,
For without you 'twould be dreary."
But she only sighed "Ah, no."

"Good-bye, little yellow bird.
I'd gladly mate with you -
I love you, little yellow bird,
But I love my freedom, too.
So good-bye, little yellow bird.
I'd rather brave the cold
On a leafless tree
Than a prisoner be
In a cage of gold." 



(Contributed by Lou Rugani - The Music of the Stars (WLIP) - December 2011)