
Robert Service was a well known poet and novelist of the early 20th century. His most famous poem is The Cremation of Sam McGee. Service wrote "Raratonga" (sic) in the '20s. Here are the lyrics:
Oh I'm going back again to Raratonga, I'm sick of all society and swank;
I wouldn't linger here a moment longer, If you gave me all the money in the bank;
I know the boys will welcome me out younder, And the girls will be laughing as I land.
So I'm going off, I'm off to Raratonga, With my little Ukulele in my hand.
No bills for board I'll pay in Raratonga, I'll pick the blushing bread-fruit from the tree;
And if per-chance my appetite be stornger, I'll flick a ruddy lobster from the sea;
No tailor's duns I'll have in Raratonga, Of two banana leaves I'll make my kilt,
And a dusky belle will wriggle like a conger, And dance the hula-hula to this lilt:
Chorus:
Raratonga, Raratonga, Where the maidens sit beneath the mango trees;
Raratonga, Raratonga, Where the only female garments a chemise;
Raratonga, Raratonga, Where the hoochie koochie dance is a la mode,
Raratonga, Raratonga, Oh it's there I'd make me permanet abode.
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