"The Trolley Song" performed by Judy Garland and chorus in the film 'Meet Me in St. Louis', 1944.

Some interesting notes:

Ralph Blaine wrote the lyrics. He was told to write a song about trolleys for the movie, and was having a hard time coming up with inspiration. He finally came up with some lyrics when he went to the library and found a children's book with a picture of a St. Louis trolley car with the caption: "Clang, clang, clang went the jolly little trolley."

In 2004, the American Film Institute ranked this #26 on the 100 Greatest Songs in American Films list.

Words and music by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane.

Nominated for Best Song Academy Award for 1944

Lyrics

Clang ,clang, clang went the trolley

Ding, ding, ding went the bell

Zing, zing, zing went my heartstrings as we started for Huntington Dell.

Chug, chug, chug went the motor

Bump, bump, bump went the brake

Thump, thump, thump went my heartstrings as we glided for Huntington Lake.

The day was bright, the air was sweet

The smell of honeysuckle charmed me off my feet

I tried to sing, but couldn't squeak

In fact I felt so good I couldn't even speak

Buzz, buzz, buzz went the buzzer

Time to all disembark,

Time to fall went my heartstrings as we got off at Huntington Park

As we got off at Huntington Park.

With my high-starched collar, and my high-topped shoes

And my hair piled high upon my head

I went to lose a jolly hour on the Trolley and lost my heart instead.

With his light brown derby and his bright green tie

He was quite the handsomest of men

I started to yen, so I counted to ten then I counted to ten again

Clang, clang, clang went the trolley

Ding, ding, ding went the bell

Zing, zing, zing went my heartstrings

From the moment I saw him I fell

Chug, chug, chug went the motor

Bump, bump, bump went the brake

Thump, thump, thump went my heartstrings

When he smiled I could feel the car shake

He tipped his hat, and took a seat

He said he hoped he hadn't stepped upon my feet

He asked my name, I held my breath

I couldn't speak because he scared me half to death

Chug, chug, chug went the motor

Plop, plop, plop went the wheels

Stop, stop, stop went my heartstrings

As he started to go then I started to know how it feels

When the universe reels

The day was bright, the air was sweet

The smell of honeysuckle charmed you off you're feet

You tried to sing, but couldn't squeaks

In fact, you loved him so you couldn't even speak

~Judy~

Buzz, buzz, buzz went the buzzer

Plop, plop, plop went the wheels

Stop, stop, stop went my heartstrings

As he started to leave I took hold of his sleeve with my hand

And as if it were planned he stay on with me

And it was grand just to stand with his hand holding mine

To the end of the line

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