The concert was over at Carnagie Hall
The maestro took bow after bow
He said, "My dear friends, I have given my all
I'm sorry, it's all over now"
When from the balcony, way up high
There suddenly came a mournful cry

Oh, Mr. Paganini
Please play my rhapsody
And if you cannot play it, won't you sing it?
And if you can't sing it
You simply have to

Listen, Paganini
We breathlessly await
Your masterful baton
Go on and spring it
And if you can't spring it
You simply have to

We've heard your repertoire
And at the final bar
We greeted you with round applause
But what a great ovation
Your interpretation of
I never cared much for moonlit skies
I never winked back at fireflies
Would do

So, Paganini, don't you be a meanie
What have you up your sleeve?
Come on and spring it
And if you can't spring it
You simply have to

Listen Paganini, please play my rhapsody
And if you cannot play it, won't you sing it?
If the boys are boppin'
Ain't no need in stoppin'

Listen, Paganini
We breathlessly await your masterful baton
Come on and spring it
If the boys are boppin'
Ain't no need in stoppin'

Oh, we heard your repertoire
And at the final bar
We greeted you, we greeted you
With round applause
But what a great ovation
Your interpretation

Listen, Paganini
Now, don't you be a meanie
What have you up your sleeve?
Come on and spring it
And if you can't spring it
You simply have to
Swing it
I said
Swing it

Copyright: Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Writer(s): Sam Coslow