It Looks Like a Big Night Tonight lyrics, music by Egbert Van Alstyne, lyrics by Harry Williams, performed in I’ll See You In My Dreams, Shine On Harvest Moon
Old Peters was a patsy
His wife she ruled the day
He didn’t dare go out at night
Unless she was away.
So once he took the family
And put them on a boat
Then he’d go out and have some fun
That I must be the goat.
Then Peter dashed uptown
And said to bachelor Brown…
It looks to me like a big night tonight
Big night tonight, big night tonight
For when the old cat’s away, why the mice want to play
And it looks like a big night tonight.
(short bridge)
They started out that evening
To paint the blooming town
Said Peters, let’s be devilish
I’m with you sure said Brown.
They got some chorus ladies
And took them out to dine
Then both of them decided
They would corner all the wine.
And every time it came
They’d warble this refrain…
It looks to me like a big night tonight
Big night tonight, big night tonight
I sent the folks out to see
But they can’t see through me
So it looks like a big night tonight.
(short bridge)
Old Peter’s like a lily
Began to fade away
They piled him in a cab
And took him home at break of day.
But when they turned the corner
He gave a fearful shout
A light was in the window
And his wife was peeking out.
Don’t leave me boys said he
Your pity I can see…
It looks to me like a big night tonight
Big night tonight, big night tonight
I sent the folks out to see
But their home ‘Holy G’ boys…
It looks like a big fight tonight.
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