Title: American Old Time Song Lyrics
Subject: Traditional & Folk Music
Author: www.traditionalmusic.co.uk
Keywords: Old time music, American, oldtimey, bluegrass

The Play's The Thing - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
THE PLAY'S THE THING. Copyright. 1895, by T. B. Harms & Co. Words by Sydney Rosenfeld Music by Ludwig Englaender. 
The play's the thing, the play's the thing; we'll fill it full of novel schemes; Of coming centuries we'll sing, of golden thoughts and flowing dreams; I'll have him write a scene for me, wherein I'll act a manish part, While all beneath my garb may see my tender woman's heart. The play's the thing, the play's the thing; that's why we say, that's why we sing! The play's the thing, the play's the thing; that's why we say, that's why we sing! 
And I shall have him write a part, to give my voice its long-sought chance; To make some impresario start, and hail me like a bird from France; I'll tell my tale in florid phrase, and speak entirely on the staff; How my cadenzas shall amaze those scoffers come to laugh. The play's the thing, the play's the thing, etc. 
And I will play a part as well, that will not need a lot of speech; The sentiments that words can't tell, are all within the dancer's reach; When racking thoughts distress the mind and cues are flying to und fro, A consolation I shall find in answering with my toe. The play's the thing, the play's the thing, etc.