In the Mandarin's Orchid Garden
GEORGE GERSHWIN, IRA GERSHWIN
Somehow by fate misguided,
A buttercup resided
In the mandarin's orchid garden.
A buttercup that did not please
The lovely peace of such a place.
And so it simply [shined] above
And begged each orchids pardon,
The little buttercup in the orchid garden.
The bees keep passing daily
And kiss the orchids dearly,
In the mandarin's orchid garden.
A buttercup [side] longing leaf,
But love was not for such as she.
And so under the tree of love hanged I
Still begging pardon,
The lonely buttercup in the orchid garden.
I too have been misguided;
To long have I resided
In the mandarin's orchid garden.
And all for friendliness I am,
I do not know which way to talk.
Alone must I keep [praying God]
To beg each lady's pardon.
A lonely buttercup
In the orchid garden.