Over the waters, merrily dancing,
Softly glides our light canoe,
While the phantom mirror glancing,
Shines alternate white and blue.
Chorus.
Never can tell when the bass is a-coming,
Never can tell when he's going to bite;
First thing you know your reel will be humming,
Strike him quickly and hold him tight.
Past the maples, red and yellow,
Crimson oak and purple ash—
Gosh! you've hooked a monstrous fellow!
Golly! don't you hear him splash?
Hold him lightly, reel him slowly
If you wish your fish to save;
Nothing's gained by hurry—Holy
Moses! what a jump he gave.
Lower your rod; now take the slack up—
Thank your stars you've got him yet!
Now he sticks his thorny back up—
Now you've got him in the net!
In the basket, wrapped in fern, he'll
Lie in state in scaly grace;
In the pan, when we return, he'll
Find a warmer resting place.
Let him fry in crumbs and butter—
Hear the appetizing fizz!
No weak words that I could utter
Can describe how good he is.
Serve him with a slice of bacon,
Quickly to the banquet come,
And unless I'm much mistaken
Your remark will be "yum, yum!"