HANDFUL OF KEYS
(Music: Thomas 'Fats' Waller / 
Lyrics added later by Richard Maltby Jr. & Murray Horowitz)


Fats Waller & His Rhythm (Instr.) - 1929





I like to tinkle on an old piana
I like to play it in a subtle mannah
I get a lot of pleasure with a span o' keys
Underneath my finger tips, tricklin' off o' my lips

A handful of keys and a song to sing
Now, how could you ask for more
Than ticklin' the ivory, singin' jive
I repeat what I said before

I like to sing a little tune that's mellah
I like to vocalize, there's nothin' swellah
I love to have a supple melody
Just tricklin' off o' my lips

A handful of keys and a song to sing
Now how could you ask for more
Than ticklin' the ivory, singin' jive
I repeat what I said before

I like to tinkle on an old piana
I like to play it in a subtle mannah
I know I'll always be the top banana
With a handful of keys






(Contributed by Mel Priddle - May 2014)