Allan Sherman Lost Lyrics Friday, vol. 5

"It was laugh, laugh at the Stunt show last night with Al Copelon '45."

That was the lead in the University of Illinois' Daily Illini paper on October 11, 1942. Sherman, then known for a brief time as Copelon (don't ask), had the night before performed what appears to be his first full-length song parody.

To the tune of "Won't You Come Home Bill Bailey" he sang "Don't Burn Down Bidwell's," a parody about the student watering hole and make-out spot.

Burn down that Union Building,

Burn Lincoln Hall,

But, please, boys, don’t burn down Bidwell’s!

Burn down the football stadium

Huff Gym as well,

But, please, boys, don’t burn down Bidwell’s!

We know you love this campus, we think it’s swell,

You can burn it till it flames like hell!

But if that backroom’s found in flames,

We’re gonna call you dirty names,

So don’t burn Bidwell’s down!