Lyrics Mr. Paganini (Live) - Ella Fitzgerald

Thank you
I thank you

The concert was over in Carnegie Hall
The Maestro took bow after bow
He said, "My dear friends, I have given my all
I'm sorry, it's all over now"
When from the balcony, way up high
There suddenly came a mournful cry
Mournful?

Oh, Mr. Paganini
Please play my rhapsody
And if you cannot play it
Won't you sing it?
And if you can't sing it
You simply have to

Listen, Paganini
We breathlessly await
Your masterful baton
Go on and sling it
And if you can't sling it
You simply have to

We heard your repertoire
And at the final bar
We greeted you
With round applause
But what a great ovation
Your interpretation
Of "I've never cared much for moonlit skies
I never blink back at fireflies"
Would do

So, Paganini
Don't you be a meanie
What have you up your sleeve?
Come on and spring it
And if you can't spring it
You simply have to

Listen, Paganini
Please play my rhapsody
And if you cannot play it
Won't you sing it?
If the boys are bopping
Ain't no need in stopping

Listen, Paganini
Now, don't you be a meanie
What have you up your sleeve?
Come on and spring it
If the boys are bopping
Ain't no need in stopping

I heard your repertoire and
At the final bar
We greeted you, we greeted you with round applause
But what a great ovation
Your interpretation

Listen, Paganini
Now, don't you be a meanie
What have you up your sleeve?
Come on and spring it
And if you can't spring it
You simply have
To swing it