Daisy Bell (Bicycle Built for Two) by Harry Dacre (optional sing-along) – Charles Manning, Piano

“Daisy Bell (Bicycle Built for Two)” was written by English songwriter Harry Dacre. The 1892 popular song was most likely inspired by Daisy Greville, Countess of Warwick, one of the mistresses of King Edward VII. “Daisy Bell” first became successful in a London music hall performance by Katie Lawrence, and then in the US with an Atlantic Gardens Bowery performance by Jennie Lindsay in 1892. Originally recorded by Dan W. Quinn in 1893, other recordings include those by Bing Crosby, Alvin and the Chipmunks, and Nat King Cole. In New Zealand, the song was used for the “Aunt Daisy” radio broadcasts from 1930-1963.

In 1961, an IBM 704 computer at Bell Labs was programmed to sing “Daisy Bell,” which was the earliest demonstration of computer speech synthesis, and was later referenced in the 1968 film “2001: A Space Odyssey.” The song was also featured in the 2014 film “The Theory of Everything” about the life of world renowned physicist Stephen Hawking. On this lovely Sunday afternoon, a “Bicycle Built for Two” is awaiting its riders to start “Ped’ling away down the road of life.” Pianist Charles Manning improvises the popular tune and includes the ringing bell(e) for “Sweet little Daisy Bell.” The lyrics to the Chorus are provided below. Sing along with Charles to the song “Daisy Bell (Bicycle Built for Two).”

~ Lyrics ~

Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer do,
I’m half crazy, all for the love of you,
It won’t be a stylish marriage,
I can’t afford a carriage,
But you’ll look sweet, upon the seat
Of a bicycle built for two.

Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer do,
I’m half crazy, all for the love of you,
We’ll spend all our life together,
Regardless of the weather,
And you’ll look sweet, upon the seat
Of a bicycle built for two.

Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer do,
I’m half crazy, all for the love of you,
We’ll leave when the ball is over,
Get married in the clover,
And you’ll look sweet, upon the seat
Of a bicycle built for two…
Of a bicycle built for two…
Of a bicycle built for two.