THERE WAS A TAVERN IN THE TOWN
(Parker / Smith)


Sammy Davis Jr. - 1961



Now, I want you cats to dig this story....

There was a tavern in the town
With a chick whose name was Honey Brown
Behind those swinging doors she'd fill my favourite stein
And my love promised to be mine

There was a tavern down the street
Where my true love and I would meet
And when I'd cling to her like ivy to a vine
I tasted lips as sweet as wine

We rubbed elbows with the Mayor
And a grand piano player
There was no one feelin' gayer 
When my poor heart broke

'Cause a fellah they called Randall
Overturned a lighted candle
And the tavern and my love 
Went up in smoke

Umm, don't'cha know I miss that tavern in the town
And I will also miss Miss Honey Brown
I am like a child that's lost the only friend he found
So goodbye old tavern in the town

Yes, goodbye old tavern in the town
I'll find the cat that burned you down
I will never, never rest until he's six feet in the ground
So goodbye, goodbye, goodbye tavern in the town



(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - May 2017)