| AKA | Daisy Daisy |
| First published | 1892 |
| Lyrics | Harry Dacre | Music | Harry Dacre | Roud Index | RN29754 |
| Music Hall performers | Kate Lawrence, 1890s Florrie Forde, 1900s on |
| Folk performances | ?? |
There is a flower within my heart Daisy, Daisy Planted one day by a glancing dart Planted by Daisy Bell Whether she loves me or loves me not Sometimes it's hard to tell Yet I am longing to share the lot Of beautiful Daisy Bell. Daisy, Daisy Give me your answer do I'm half crazy All for the love of you It won't be a stylish marriage I can't afford a carriage But you'll look sweet upon the seat Of a bicycle built for two. We will go “tandem” as man and wife Daisy, Daisy Peddling away down the road of life I and my Daisy Bell When the road's dark we can despise Policemen and lamps as well There are bright lights in the dazzling eyes Of beautiful Daisy Bell. I will stand by you in “wheel” or woe Daisy, Daisy You'll be the bell (e) which I'll ring you know Sweet little Daisy Bell You'll take the lead in each trip we take Then if I don't do well I will permit you to use the brake My beautiful Daisy Bell.
The song was originally written with a chorus about a donkey-cart built for two, and enjoyed some limited success in the UK in that form. When Harry Dacre arrived in the USA he found that a donkey-cart was referred to as a mule and wagon, so he changed the chorus. He sold the song to Kate Lawrence who had great success with it in the 1890s, it later became part of Florrie Forde’s repertoire.
It was collected from the singing of Harold Wirdman (1998) and Stan Seaman (2000) in England but it is such a well-known music hall song that is difficult for me to classify it on that basis as “folk”
Sources:
- Sheet Music: 60 Old-Time Variety Songs
- Music Hall, an illustrated history
- Lyrics: monologues.co.uk
Last Updated on November 3, 2021 by John Baxter | Published: December 12, 2019
