THE LITTLE THINGS IN TEXAS

(Richard Rodgers (m) / Oscar Hammerstein II (l)  )

Lyrics as sung by Alice Faye and Tom Ewell in the 
original soundtrack of State Fair 1962

Also sung by Mike Sammes Singers

[Ewell]
Deep in the heart of you know what
Is the biggest rose that grows
Size isn't what my girl has got
[Faye]
But a rose is a rose is a rose.
[Ewell]
Say that's cute!

[Ewell]
It's the little things in Texas I love
There's a girl with a very small waist
Who gives me a very small squeeze
But oh, her heart is big as Texas
[Faye]
Not here.
[Ewell]
Why not?

[Faye]
It's the little things in Texas I love
When we go for a very small walk
Our talk is a very small talk
[Ewell]
And somehow we don't talk of Texas.

[Ewell]
This girl is full of graces
She's cute in all the right places
[Faye]
And who needs great big spaces
[Ewell]
Whee...
I drew four aces.

[Ewell]
One little thing in Texas adores me
And it's the little things in Texas I love.

(bridge)

[Faye]
It's the little things in Texas I love
When the night starts a-comin' along
A bird sings a very sad song
And nothin' sweeter north of Texas.

It's the little things in Texas I love
There's a man with a very small reach
Who's hug I consider a peach
[Ewell]
In fact, the best from Maine to Texas.

[Chorus]
He says he's not a fossil
That doesn't push or jostle
He's darling but not docile
Whee
The kid's colossal.

[Faye and Ewell and Chorus]
One little thing in Texas adores me
And it's the little things in Texas...
[Chorus]
The little things in Texas...
[Faye and Ewell and Chorus]
The little things in Texas I love.

Notes:

Alice Faye, an American from New York City, was an 
actress and known for her notably sweet contralto. 
Tom Ewell, also an American from Kentucky, was perhaps 
most recognizable for his role was on Broadway in the 1952 
production of < The Seven Year Itch >. He also was cast in 
many films between 1940 and 1983.

The musical State Fair was adapted from a Philip Stong novel 
of the same name. A number of film versions were created, 
initially in 1933, then 1945 and 1962. Later in 1976, a made 
for TV movie appeared. State Fair was finally adapted for a 
Broadway musical in 1996. State Fair was the only Rodgers and 
Hammerstein musical ever written directly for film.

State Fair 1945
Director: Walter Lang
Leads: Jeanne Crain / Dana Andrews / Dick Haymes / Vivian Blaine

State Fair 1962
Director: José Ferrer
Leads: Pat Boone / Bobby Darin / Ann-Margret / Tom Ewell

The original State Fair production in 1933 was directed by Henry King 
and starred Will Rogers and Janet Gaynor along with Lew Ayres. It was 
well received at the time, unlike the 1962 musical (from which these
lyrics derive), which was deemed by many to be unsuccessful in almost 
all respects.



(Transcribed by David Story- April 2014)