Words by Sam H. Lewis and Joe Young. Music by Harry Warren.
Big town you lured me,
Big town you cured me,
Tho’ others hate to say goodbye to you
I’m leavin’ but I’ll never sigh for you.
Big town you robbed me of ev’ry joy I knew.
CHORUS
Where is the song I had in my heart
That harmonized with the pines,
Anyone can see what’s troublin’ me,
Cryin’ for the Carolines.
Where is the brook that kisses the lane,
Covered with “Glory Vines.”
Anyone can see what’s troublin’ me.
I’m crying for the Carolines.
How can I smile mile after mile,
There’s not a bit of green here.
Birdies all stay far far away,
They’re seldom ever seen here.
Where is the gal that I used to meet
Down where the pale moon shines.
Anyone can see what’s troublin’ me,
I’m crying for the Carolines.
Small town you’ve sold me,
Small town you’ll hold me,
You said that I’d have nothing but regret,
I’ve cried the blues to ev’ry one I’ve met,
Small town you gave me all that I’ll ever get.
Recorded by Ruth Etting on December 10, 1929 in New York City for Columbia Records.
Originally issued on Columbia 2073 D (Matrix 149706)
From Spring is Here
Available On:America's Sweetheart of Song
- Ruth Etting ASV/Living Era
Released: September 25, 2001
Available On:Love Me Or Leave Me
- Ruth EttingPearl Flapper
Released: March 19, 1996
Available On:America's Greatest Songstress
- Ruth Etting Claremont (SAF)
Released: November 25, 1997
My parents had an old 78 rpm recording of this song, and I distinctly remember a bridge in the song that went something like:
O Lord, ain’t you never heard of Broadway?
O Lord, that’s where the bright lights glow.
O Lord, say you never heard of Broadway?
That’s the place… that’s the place that the sinners go.