(Note: Frank never sang the intro, only the chorus, after a full musical intro by Tommy Dorsey's band)



In the region where the roses always bloom,

Breathing out upon the air their sweet perfume,

Lives a dusky maid I long to call my own,

For, I know my love for her will never die;

When the sun am sinking in dat Golden West,

Little robin red breast gone to seek their nests,

And I sneak down to dat place I love the best,

Ever'y evening there along I sigh.



Chorus: Ida! Sweet as apple cider,

Sweeter than all I know,

Come out! In the silv'ry moonlight,

Of love we'll whisper, so soft and low!

Seems as tho' can't live without you,

Listen, please, honey do!

Ida! I idolize yer

I love you, Ida, 'deed I do.