delia

[Pudcat]

Does anyone know an old song which I beleive cotained the refrian "Delia oh Delia" I am not sure if it was from an opera or similar.

[Mortartube]

I think you may be thinking of "Lydia oh Lydia" by Groucho Marx

http://www.clown-ministry.com/marx-brothers-vi deos/video/n4zRe_wvJw8

[Pudcat]

Thank you Mortartube but no that isn't it.
Regards Pudcat

[Mortartube]

Delilah by Tom Jones? I am intrigued by this now.

[Schutzengel]

Pudcat,
The song you are looking for is "Vilja O Vilja", it's a Balkan melody, and the song comes from the Operetta, "The Merry Widow", production of 1934. It was originally written in 1907. The words were written by Ross and Lehar for the 1934 production of "The Merry Widow". Much later it was adapted by Artie Shaw in a much more swinging style, and was generally sung in English as "Delia O Delia". It was often sung in the Ross Lehar version at choral concerts in the 1940's and 50s. It is possible to buy a copy of the lyrics from some Sheet Music sites on the Internet. Hope this helps. By the way it is a beautiful tune.

[Pudcat]

Thank you Mortartube but thats not it either. It is a very old song and I have heard it played on the radio many times.
At some point I seem to remember it was a sort of backgrouns and intro music for a "Book at Bedtime"
I think it had a Germanany between the wars connection.

[MsEVP]

Listen to Schutzengel!

[Schutzengel]

Thanks MsEVP, for your confidence.

[Pudcat]

Thank you Schuttzegel, Yes thats the one. It certainly has a lovely chorus. and thank you for you detailed information
There are several versions on YouTube and in my opinion the best ones are under "The Merry Widow" and it is called as you say Vilja O Vilja.
For everybody interested it seems to have a rather boring intro but when the singer is joined by a choir in the chorus it is much more stronger. But then what do I know? !!!