The Lily Of Laguna

Album: Chronological Crosby (1941)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This music hall standard has the dubious honor of being known as the world's most famous coon song. Perhaps surprisingly it was written by an Englishman, Leslie Stuart, and was performed in blackface by Eugene Stratton.

    The sheet music, thus credited, can be found in the 1937 compilation Sixty Old-Time Variety Songs: Song Book No 2, which was published by The News Chronicle Publications Department; herein it is referred to as "LILY OF LAGUNA," although it was originally published by Francis, Day & Hunter of London in 1898.

    As might be expected, the lyrics have not stood the test of time.

    Having said that, it is melody rather than lyrics that makes truly great songs, and Stuart's most famous composition is not lacking in that department. With the lyrics suitably amended, The Lily Of Laguna has been recorded many times, including by Bing Crosby, and lent its name to a film in 1938 (which did not include the song). It was performed in blackface as recently as 1934 in the film Those Were The Days, wherein the audience joined in the chorus "She's my lady love." >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.

Waiting For The Break of Day: Three Classic Songs About All-Nighters

Waiting For The Break of Day: Three Classic Songs About All-NightersSong Writing

These Three famous songs actually describe how they were written - late into the evening.

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Graham Nash

Graham NashSongwriter Interviews

Graham Nash tells the stories behind some of his famous songs and photos, and is asked about "yacht rock" for the first time.

Michael Sweet of Stryper

Michael Sweet of StryperSongwriter Interviews

Find out how God and glam metal go together from the Stryper frontman.