Lyrics originally sung by a crooner known as "Der Bingle"

Nowadays are kept alive by the tourists’ money jingle.

Tourists come from far away places around this time of year

Precisely when the swallows off their northward journey veer.

On March 19 like clockwork, the swallows en masse arrive,

A better schedule the tourist board couldn't possibly contrive.

But different words to that romantic tune warbled by Bing Crosby,

Are sung by locals (under breath) with words not used by Cosby.

The song’s words, "When the swallows come back to Capistran-oh"

Hints at the fact that loving a swallow is merely one to know.

They're really unwelcome houseguests, nesting under all eaves,

'Cause everywhere a bird alights, its  signature unique it leaves.

But compared to their larger cousins, the ordinary pigeon,

When they have done their duty, it's merely just a smidgen.

Now increase that spot by a thousand swallows' multiplier,

One understands the frustration that has Capistrano wired.

There is an embedded gleam of hope, for as the year wears down,

One by one the swallows get bored and elect to leave this town,

October 15 at 3 P.M, as the last resident becomes a screamer,

The birds decide the weather is better down in Argentina.

Departure's quick as arrival, although in a different direction,

Having converted all the residents to proponents of vivisection.

Tourists, too, will disappear, by next 18th of March quite sparse.

Then dawn will break on March 19 to re-start this yearly farce.

 Copyright © 2007 by Frank Koerner