Baubles, Bangles and Beads

By Robert Wright & George Forrest
1953

A beguiling song written for the musical Kismet, and based--as with all the songs in that show--on a melody by classical composer Alexander Borodin. In this case, it's Borodin's String Quartet in D (second theme of the 2nd movement). Originally written as a waltz, pop artists have changed the structure to a more rhythmic four-beat one. Jazz artists are particularly drawn to it for its unique melody.

Lyrics:

Baubles, bangles,
Hear how they jing, jing-a-ling-a,
Baubles, bangles, bright, shiny beads.

Sparkles, spangles,
My heart will sing, sing-a-ling-a,
Wearing baubles, bangles and beads.

I'll glitter and gleam so,
Make somebody dream so,

That someday he may buy me,
A ring, ring-aling-a,
I've heard that's where it leads,
Wearing baubles and bangles and beads.

Recorded By:

Peggy Lee
Frank Sinatra
Julie Andrews
June Christy
Deodato