Little Eyes

Little eyes or Little Lize (Lil' Lize) is a folksong popular in Cornwall but may have originated in America. It was first recorded in the 1950s by an American harmony group called the Delta Rhythm Boys [ [http://www.vocalgroup.org/inductees/delta_rhythm_boys.html The Delta Rhythm Boys] ] but was later taken up a Cornish group from Camborne called the Joy Boys. It became a local hit after a few alterations. It is still sung widely across Cornwall but is rarely heard elsewhere.

Lyrics

"The other night, I had a dream,"
"The funniest dream of all."
"I dreamt that I was kissing you,"
"Behind the garden wall".
"And I said…"

Chorus:

"Lil Lize, I love you" (Honey),
"Lil Lize, I love you."
"I love you in the springtime and the fall (Honey, Honey)."
"Lil Lize, I love you (Honey),"
"Lil Lize, I love you,"
"I love you the best of all (Honey, Honey, Honey)."

"Now tell me honey, tell me do,"
"Who is the one you love?"
"Oh tell me honey, tell me do,"
"Who is your turtle dove?"
"And she said..."
Chorus

"I went to call, for my best girl."
"Her bulldog flew at me."
"It bit me in the old back porch,"
"Right by the maple tree".
"And I said..."
Chorus

"I took my baby home last night,"
"Beneath the spreading vine."
"I put my arms around her waist"
"And pressed her lips to mine."
"And I said..."
Chorus

References