Laughing Song

Transcript

I say, boys, it's going to be the best show we ever gave. I'll say so. Sounds like a show.

You've saved your life. Say, when you fellas get through with that mutual admiration stuff, you go on with the rehearsal. Your ten-minute rest is up.

And don't forget, we're going to have a good time. And don't forget that this is the last rehearsal at the clubhouse. I want to say, though, boys, you've all done very well.

Say, Bill, that song of yours is going to be a hit. Why, indeed. You encouraged me so much.

And Daniel, rocking the cradle to the beat, was all right. Wait for them fine words. And also the orchestra and quartet.

And he made it sound in harmony. I say, fellas, I've got a disappointment for you. You have?

Oh, what do you mean? What is it? Why, I can't find anybody that brings Johnson's laughing song.

Oh, see, you don't mean it. Well, what do you say to that? Oh, that's stupid.

Yes, sir, that's right. But we've got to have it. Why, it won't be a regular minstrel show, that song.

Well, I'm just as disappointed as you. I've asked everybody I know. Have you asked Meeker?

Why, no. Does he know it? Sure, he does.

I've heard it. And he's up in the video room now. Fine.

Give me the telephone. I'll get it. Hello?

Hello? Give me the telephone. Hello?

Oh, is that you, Meeker? Say, Meeker, listen. Can you sing Johnson's laughing song?

What do you say? You can? Can you come right down?

We're having a rehearsal. Is he coming? Sure, he's on his way.

Give him a handoff or something. Here he is. Hooray!

Thanks, fellas. I accept the nomination. Thanks.

Say, Meeker, now for the laughing song. Does the orchestra know it? Do we know it?

As I was coming around the corner, I heard some people say, here comes the dandy doggy, here he comes, his way. It feels like a slow bounce, his mouth is like a glass. And when he dons his jacket, you will see a fearful gasp, then I laugh.

I couldn't live without it. I couldn't live without it. I couldn't live without it.

Come on, let's hear it for the banjo. His father was a fidget, his father was a fid. He dreamed he had the love of his life, he had nothing to quit.

He'd be the king of magic, that's what he thought he'd try. And when I heard him say it, why I laugh. And I cry and then I laugh.

I couldn't live without it. I couldn't live without it. I couldn't live without it.

I couldn't live without it. I couldn't live without it. I couldn't live without it.

I couldn't live without it. I couldn't live without it. I couldn't live without it.

I couldn't live without it.

Transcribed by AI from the recording above. These are noisy hundred-year-old cylinders, so expect misheard words and the occasional invented line — trust your ears over the text.