The Subway Express

by Jerome Kern (music) and James O'Dea (lyrics)

Sheet music (browse)

[Verse]

(Boy) It was in no sheltered nook

It was by no babbling brook

when romantic'lly we met.

(Girl) Ah, the scene I can't forget

we were thrown together in the Subway Express.

(Boy) You were clearly all at sea

As you wildly clutched at me,

When around that curve we swung.

(Girl) Yes, and though I'd lost my tongue

I made a hit with you, you must confess.

(Boy) Yes you hit me in the back,

and as around and round you flew

I inquired if I could tender a supporting arm to you.

(Girl) To which I answered "No, Sir!"

when the guard yelled "Move up closer"

And clearly there was nothing else to do.

[Refrain]

(Boy) We first met down at Spring Street

and then up on my word.

(Girl) I felt I'd known you all my life

when we reached Twenty Third.

(Boy) You won my heart at Harlem

(Girl) At the Bronx I murmured yes,

(Both) We lost no time in that hour sublime

On the Subway Express.

[Verse]

(Boy) When Grand Central hove in view

Do you recollect how you wildly reaching for that strap

(Girl) Tumbled in that fat man's lap

what a situation for a Girlie was that?

(Boy) As you sat upon his knee

How I wished that I were he,

But I helped you to your feet.

(Girl) And the fat man held his seat

I crushed him and I also crushed his hat.

(Boy) As ostensibly we read the signs of breakfast food and ham

If we weren't in a pickle, we were clearly in a jam.

(Girl) 'Twas more like an excursion;

Or just another version

Of Mary and her faithful little Lamb.