Written and composed by Harry Dacre, sung by Miss Katie Lawrence. This song may be sung in public without fee or license EXCEPT IN MUSIC HALLS!
From American Popular Songs by David Ewen:
"When Dacre, an English popular composer, first came to the United States, he brought with him a bicycle, for which he was charged duty. His friend (the songwriter William Jerome) remarked lightly: 'It's lucky you didn't bring a bicycle built for two, otherwise you'd have to pay double duty.' Dacre was so taken with the phrase 'bicycle built for two' that he decide to use it in a song. That song, Daisy Bell, first became successful in a London music hall, in a performance by Kate Lawrence. Tony Pastor was the first one to sing it in the United States. Its success in America began when Jennie Lindsay brought down the house with it at the Atlantic Gardens on the Bowery early in 1892."
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!
There is a flower within my heart, Daisy, Daisy!
Planted one day by a glancing dart,
Planted by Daisy Bell!
Whether she loves me of not, Sometimes its hard to tell;
Yet I am longing to share the lot of Beautiful Daisy Bell!
(chorus)
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!
(chorus)
We will go "tandem" as man and wife, Daisy, Daisy!
Ped'ling away down the road of life,
I and my Daisy Bell!
When the road's dark we can dispise P'licman and "lamps" as well;
There are "bright lights" in the dazzling eyes
Of beautiful Daisy Bell!
(chorus)
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 break,
My beautiful Daisy Bell!!!