RIO RITA
From the Broadway Musical "Rio Rita" (1927)
(Music: Harry Tierney / Lyrics: Joseph McCarthy)


J. Harold Murray & Ethelind Terry (Broadway Production) - 1927
Nat Shilkret & His Orch. (vocal: Lewis James) - 1927
Nat Shilkret & The Victor Light Opera Company (vocal: Lewis James) - 1927
Ben Selvin's Knickerbockers (vocal: Charles Kaley) - 1927
The Jazz Kings (vocal: Tony Morello) - 1928
Carl Fenton's Orch. - 1928
John Boles (Film Soundtrack) - 1929
Bebe Daniels - 1929
Richard Crooks - 1929
Colonial Club Orch. - 1929
Harry Reser's Rounders (vocal: Rodman Lewis) - 1929
Edith Day & Geoffrey Gwyther - 1930
John Carroll (Film Soundtrack) - 1942
Buddy Morrow & His Orch. - 1950
The Four Coins - 1957

Also recorded by: Jean Cartier ...... and others.


 



Down by the river Rio Grande
On silver sand, that's where I found you
And now my heart's at your command
Want to be near your hand, lingering round you
Your love like mine, it has no returning
Give me one sign, tell me you are yearning, learning

Rio Rita
Life is sweeter, Rita, when you are near
Rio Rita
Life's completer, Rita, to have you here **

All I ask from above
Is one day your lips will say "I love you"
Rio Rita
Senorita, here is my heart

Rio Rita
Life is sweeter, Rita, when you are near
Rio Rita
Life's completer, Rita, to hold you, dear

All I ask from above
Is one day your lips will say "I love you"
Rio Rita
Senorita, here is my heart


**In some versions this line is sung as
"Life's completer, Rita, to hold you, dear"






(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - May 2013)