ELLIE

Why do stage struck maidens clamor

To be actin' in the drammer?



GIRLS

We've heard say

You are gay

Night and day.



ELLIE

Oh, go 'way!



GIRLS

We drink water from a dipper,

You drink champagne from a slipper.



ELLIE

Tho' it seems Crool to bust

All your dreams,

Still I must;

Here's the truth I tell you:

Life upon the wicked stage

Ain't ever what a girl supposes;

Stage door Johnnies aren't rag-

Ing over you with gems and roses.

When you let a feller hold your hand (which

Means an extra beer or sandwich),

Ev'rybody whispers: "Ain't her life a whirl?"

Though you're warned against a rou

Ruining your reputation,

I have played around

The one night trade around

A great big nation:

Wild old men who give you jewels and sables

Only live in Aesop's Fables.

Life upon the wicked stage

Ain't nothin' for a girl.



GIRLS

Though we've listened to you moan and grieve, you

Must pardon us if we do not believe you,

There is no doubt

You're crazy about

Your awful stage!



ELLIE

I admit it's fun

To smear my face with paint,

Causing ev'ryone

To think I'm what I ain't,

And I like to play a demi-mondy role

With soul!

Ask the hero does he

Like the way I lure

When I play a hussy

Or a paramour,

Yet when once the curtain's down

My life is pure,

And how I dread it!



GIRLS

Life upon the wicked stage

Ain't ever what a girl supposes,

Stage door Johnnies aren't rag-

Ing over you with gems and roses.



ELLIE

If some gentleman would talk with reason

I would can