I grew up singing this charming little courting ditty with my parents, who grew up singing it with theirs; its seasonal relevance gives it perennial interest. Here's my updated, same-sex version, for all those boys out there falling in love with one another right now. Hey, everybody needs a pal.

Spooning” is old slang for “making out.” Think of two spoons fitting together.

Some day, we'll have songs for all the Moons of the Year. We begin here.

 

Shine On, Harvest Moon

 

The night was mighty dark, so you could hardly see,

for the moon refused to shine.

Couple sitting underneath the willow tree:

for love, they pine.

One of them was kind of 'fraid of darkness,

so he said: I guess I'll go.

His pal began to sigh, looked up in the sky,

told the Moon this little tale of woe:

 

Oh, shine on, shine on Harvest Moon, up in the sky;

I ain't had no lovin' since January, February, June or July.

Snow time ain't no time to stay outdoors and spoon,

so shine one, shine on Harvest Moon, for me and my pal.

 

I don't know why that boy should sigh when by his side

is the one he loves so true.

All he has to say is, Won't you be my guy? For I love you.

Why should I be telling you this secret,

when I know that you can guess?

The Moon would start to smile,

smile on all the while,

if his little pal should answer, Yes.

 

So shine on, shine on Harvest Moon, up in the sky;

I ain't had no lovin' since January, February, June or July.

Snow time ain't no time to stay outdoors and spoon,

so shine one, shine on Harvest Moon, for me and my pal.

 

Shine On, Harvest Moon (published 1908) was written by husband-and-wife Vaudeville team Nora Baynes (music) and Jack Norworth (lyrics).

You can hear the glamorous Ruth Etting's rather camp 1935 version here.