By the Light of the Silvery Moon

By Gus Edwards & Edward Madden
1909

A turn-of-the-century chestnut that instantly evokes that specific pre-World War I era in America. It was one of several "moon" songs that were popular at the time, and would later become a very nostalgic tune during the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. It was the title of a 1953 Doris Day musical, and was even sung by Zero Mostel in The Producers. It was introduced in 1909 by Ada Jones (recording in the video below).

Lyrics:

Place: Park
Scene: Dark
Silv'ry Moon is shining through the trees,
Cast: Two,
Me, you,
Sound of kisses floating on the breeze;
Act one: begun,
Dialogue "Where would ya like to spoon?"
My cue: with you,
Underneath the silv'ry moon.

By the light, of the silvery moon,
I want to spoon,
To my honey I'll croon love's tune.

Honey moon, keep a-shinin' in June.
Your silv'ry beams will bring love's dreams,
We'll be cuddlin' soon, by the silvery moon.

Recorded By:

Doris Day
Gene Vincent
Fats Waller
Julie Andrews
Al Jolson