Under the Bamboo Tree
by Cole and Johnson Bros.
1903
Original semi-controversial lyrics...many other alternatives are available online
[Verse]
C G7
Down in the jungle lived a maid,
C G7
Of royal blood, though dusky shade; [alt: out in a palace in the shade]
E7 Am
A marked impression once she made,
D7 G7
Upon a Zulu from Matabulu;
C G7
And ev'ry morning he would be
C G7
Down underneath the bamboo tree,
E7 Am
Awaiting there his love to see
D7 G7
And then to her he'd sing:
[Chorus]
C F C F
If you like-a-me like I like-a-you
C F C
And we like-a-both the same,
G7
I like-a-say, This very day,
C
I'd like-ta change your name;
C F C F
'Cause I love-a-you and love-you a-true
C F C
And if you-a love-a me.
G7
One live as two, two live as one,
C
Under the bamboo tree.