LEGALIZE MY NAME

from 1946 New York musical "St Louis Woman"
(Harold Arlen (m) Johnny Mercer (l) 1946)

as recorded by Maxine Sullivan
with The Ellis Larkins Trio
1947 New York


Will I?  Won't I?
Do I?  Don't I?
All you wanna do is bill and coo,
But you're empty -handed when the bill is due!
If you really love me and you love me true,
Legalize my name!

"Will I kiss you?"
Ain't the issue!
You've been sayin' ever since we met
That you're for the sample of the way I pet;
You've had all the samples that you're gonna get;
Legalize my name!

'Fore we ever can dwell
Out of one valise,
You must learn how to spell
"Justice of the peace"!

My heart glowin',
Sparks are showin'!
If you want those little sparks to burst into flame,
You've got to legalize my name!

Don't care where I live at
Or what I live in;
House, apartment or flat,
Any place but sin!

If you prize me,
Notorise me!
gimme an old piece o' parchment that I can claim,
You've got to legalize my name!



(Transcribed by Peter Akers - January 2014)