Lyrics
The prince in orange and the prince in blue
And the prince whose raiment was of lavender hue
They sighed, they suffered, they tossed at night
For the neighboring princess of pure delight
(Who was secretly in love with a minstrel)
Her father, the king, didn't know which to choose
There were two charming suitors he'd have to refuse
So he called for the dean of his sorcerers and
Inquired which one was to win her hand
(He was sort of the voice of experience)
My king, here's a riddle, you test them tonight
What word of five letters is never spelt right?
What word of five letters is always spelt wrong?
The one who can answer will be wedded ere long
The king called the three and he told them the test
And while his fair daughter kept beating her breast
He put them the riddle, they failed as he feared
Then all of a sudden the minstrel appeared
(Jack Dalton of the U.S. Marines!)
"I'll answer that riddle," cried the singer of song
"What's never spelt right in five letters is wrong
And it's right to spell wrong W-R-O-N-G
Your highness, the princess belongeth to me
(And I love her anyway, yes I do!)
"Be off with you, villain," the king cried in rage
"For my princess a prince, not a man from the stage!"
"But sire," said the minstrel, "tis love makes me say
No king who's a real king treats lovers this way
(What would Emily Post think?)
And if you're no real king, no princess is she
And if she's no princess, then she can wed me!"
"By God," cried his highness, "you handsome young knave
I fear me you're right!" and his blessing he gave
As a trumpet man yelled, "Send me Jackson!"
Oh, the princess quickly came out of her swoon
She looked at her swain and her world was in tune
The castle soon rang with cheer and with laughter
And, of course, as you suspected
They were very, very happy ever after