Lyrics: Boy Wanted
Album: N/A
Artist: Ella Fitzgerald
 
Verse:
I’ve just finished writing an advertisement
Calling for a boy.
No half-hearted Romeo or flirt is meant;
That’s the kind I’d not employ.
Though anybody interested can apply,
He must know a thing to qualify.
For instance:

Refrain 1:
Teddy:
He must be able to dance.
he must make life a romance.
I said a boy wanted,
One who can smile;
Boy wanted,
Lovable style.
He must be tender and true,
And he must know how to woo.
I know we’ll get acquainted mighty soon,
Out in a garden ‘neath a harvest moon;
And if he proves to be the right little laddie,
I’ll make him glad
He’ll answer my ad!

Refrain 2:
Toots:
To be the boy of my choice,
He needn’t own a Rolls Royce.
The kind of boy wanted*
Needn’t have gold;
Boy wanted,
Mustn’t be cold.
If he has oodles of charm,
I’ll even life on a farm.
if he fits into my picture of a home,
I’ll be so nice he’ll never have to roam.**
Yes, if he proves to be the right little laddie,
I’ll make him glad
He answered my ad.

Refrain 3:
Babe:
He must like musical shows,
And he must wear snappy clothes.
Yes, that is my story,
And to it I’ll stick;
There’s no glory
In having a hick.
He must know how to say "Yes!"***
When I look at a new dress.
Oh, I’ll be ready when the right one calls,
And I’ll start vamping him until he falls;
And if he subsidises me, oh, sweet daddy!
I’ll make him glad
He answered my ad!

Refrain 4:
Bunny:
The movies he must avoid,
He’ll know his Nietzsche and Freud.
I said a boy wanted,
One who knows books;
Boy wanted
Needn’t have looks.
He must be such a saint,
But, Oh! he dassent say ‘ain’t.’

I don’t care if his bankroll totals naught,
For we can live on love and food for thought.
If he’s a scholar, when I see him I’ll holler,
‘My lad, I’m glad
You answered my ad!’

*Alternative version of this line: ‘The sort of boy wanted’
** Alternative version of this line: ‘I’ll be so nice he’ll never care
to roam’
*** Alternative version of refrain 3, lines 7-8:
‘And so his boots mustn’t squeak;
And he must love like a sheik.’

Primrose Version:
Verse:
I’ve just finished writing an advertisement
Calling for a boy.
No half-hearted Romeo or flirt is meant;
That’s the kind I won’t employ.
Though anybody interested can apply,
He must know a thing to qualify.
For instance:

Refrain 1:
To have a ghost of a chance,
He must be able to dance.
The sort of boy wanted
Must have a smile
Boy wanted,
Lovable style.
He must be tender and true,
And if he knows what to do,
I think I’ll learn to love him very soon;
I’ll want him morning, night and afternoon.
So if you know of one who’s wanting employment,
Just tell him that
I’m wanting a boy!

Refrain 2:
To be the boy of my choice,
He’s got to own a Rolls Royce.
He must be quite reckless
Buying me things:
Pearl necklace,
Diamond rings.
He must be ready to pay
A dozen bills ev’ry day.
I’ll simply smothing him with tender care
If I could find a multimillionaire.
So if you could seen one dining at the Savoy-oh!
Just tell him
I’m wanting a boy!

Refrain 3:
I won’t have anyone small,
He must be handsome and tall.
I said a boy wanted,
Beautifully dressed;
Boy wanted,
Trousers well pressed.
He must have wonderful eyes;
He must wear wonderful ties.
I want a boy who’ll always look as though
He’s only just come out of Savile Row.
So if some Paris wants a Helen of Troy-oh!
Just tell him that
I’m wanting a boy.