Is It a Crime?

Lyrics

[ELLA] Mother and Dad handed down to me A bit of their old philosophy I've stuck to it like an obedient daughter But it always lands me in hot water I'd gladly follow out your suggestions If you'd give me the answers to these questions Please tell me Is it a crime to start each day With a laugh and a smile and a song? And is it a crime to end each day With a laugh and a smile and a song? Is it wrong? Is it a crime to call the world your valentine? Is it a crime to grab a lamp post And then sing sweet Adoline? I ask you Is it a crime to save a wee baby bird When it falls from its nest? That little bird should havе a chance To fly like all the rеst If it's a crime to help old ladies cross the street Then put me in jail! Without bail! Bread and water from an old tin pail If that's If that's a crime! Is it a crime— [ELLA, spoken] Inspector, I'm puzzled We're taught two things as we go through life: One, be thy brother's keeper And two, mind your own business [ELLA] With a laugh and a smile and a song [ELLA, spoken] Now, if I know something And by telling it to someone in distress I could change that person's life and bring them [ELLA] The blue bird of happiness [ELLA, spoken] Is it a crime to tell him? Or is it a crime not to? Is it that you mustn't? Or you got to? Should you say "Hey, watch out for that banana peel, bud," Or just remain silent, and then laugh [ELLA] As he crashes with a thud [ELLA, spoken] Inspector My job is to get messages to people on time [ELLA] If I have a job And I see it through And it's just my duty That I do do do Is that- Is that- [ELLA, spoken] Inspector, let's go back a few hundred years If there had been answering services then And it had been up to me I could have changed the course of history I could have prevented many a famous tragedy [ELLA] With a laugh and a smile and a song [ELLA, spoken] Why, every night I lie in bed And my cheeks My cheeks grow soaking wet When I think of what I could have done for [ELLA] Romeo and Juliet [ELLA, spoken] Hello, Verona phone Oh, yes, Mr. Romeo, Juliet Capulet called The message is: "To avoid getting married to other fellow Am playing dead This Friar Lawrence gave me A great big sleeping pill But when I wake up, we'll head for the border" Oh, don't thank me It's all in a day's work [ELLA] See what I could have done? Maybe I'm right! Maybe I'm wrong! [ELLA, spoken] But if I'd got that message through on time I'm telling you Those two kids would be alive today! [ELLA] So if it's a crime to help old ladies cross the street Then I'll confess I'm just a mess Mother and Dad, you were wrong I guess! [ELLA, spoken] Inspector, were they wrong? Thank you!