Anona (song)

"Anona" is a popular song supposedly written by Vivian Grey (pseudonym for Mabel McKinley, niece of William McKinley[1]), but in fact composed by Robert Keiser King[2] in 1903, both as an intermezzo[3] and a vocal number.

The lyrics as published in the vocal version:[4] In the western state of Arizona, Lived an Indian maid; She was called the beautiful Anona so 'tis said.

Graceful as a fawn was she, Just as sweet as she could be, Eyes so bright, dark as night, Had this pretty little Arizona Indian maiden.

When her father heard that his Anona, Loved the youthful brave; Straight-a-way he said he would disown her, things looked grave.

Then her father sought he, Never caught her, Till one day, When two years passed away, They both came back to stay, Then the chief declared a truce, when they named their young papoose, After him and to his grand-child he would sing: (Chorus)

Cover of vocal version with photo of Miss Mabel McKinley.