[Roger Slater]

Thanks!

I like yours Julie, especially "Sing, girl, don't dry" -- which is precisely the point at which my version falls flat.

I don't know if this is an improvement, but I'm considering alternative refrains:

Ay ay ay ay
Sing and don't let your tears start,
because it's by singing that happiness,
oh my sweet darling,
will fill up the heart.

or

Ay ay ay ay
Sing, sing, don't be tearful,
because it's by singing the heart,
my sweet darling,
grows joyous and cheerful.