Video: Leon Redbone sings “Shine on, Harvest Moon”

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Filmed in Nashville, Tennessee. Leon Redbone and Scott Black on cornet perform with a studio orchestra.

“Shine on, Harvest Moon” was a popular Tin Pan Alley song of unknown authorship. The song became famous after being performed in the Ziegfeld Follies of 1908 to great acclaim. It has long been a pop standard and continues to be performed and recorded even in the 21st century.

Lyrics 

First verse
The night was mighty dark so you could hardly see,
For the moon refused to shine.
Couple sitting underneath a willow tree,
For love they did pine.
Little maid was kinda ‘fraid of darkness
So she said, “I guess I’ll go.”
Boy began to sigh, looked up at the sky,
And told the moon his little tale of woe.

Chorus
Oh, Shine on, shine on, harvest moon
Up in the sky;
I ain’t had no lovin’
Since January, February, June or July.
‘s no time, ain’t no time to stay
Outdoors and spoon;
So shine on, shine on, harvest moon,
For me and my gal.

Second verse 
I can’t see why a boy should sigh when by his side
Is the girl he loves so true,
All he has to say is: “Won’t you be my bride,
For I love you?
I can’t see why I’m telling you this secret,
When I know that you can guess.”
Harvest moon will smile,
Shine on all the while,
If the little girl should answer “yes.”

(repeat chorus)
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