Lyr Add: Songs by Andy Razaf and Fats Waller

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs by Andy Razaf and Fats Waller
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 25 Sep 18 - 06:34 PM

This sheet music is held by Brigham Young University, but it is not viewable online.

PRISONER OF LOVE
Words by Andy Razaf ; music by Thomas Waller.
Publisher: New York : Joe Davis, 1930.
First line of verse: I had freedom till the day you found me, but now I'm not free.
First line of chorus: I am your prisoner; do with me as you will.

So far I have found one recording, made by The Antti Sarpila Swing Band with Bob Barnard, from their album “Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Fats Waller” (2004). Unfortunately, this recording is an instrumental only.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs by Andy Razaf and Fats Waller
From: GUEST,keberoxu
Date: 25 Sep 18 - 06:30 PM

And much to my surprise,
one of those other songwriters behind
the later, more often recorded "Prisoner of Love" song
co-wrote "Minnie the Moocher" with Cab Calloway.
Small world ...

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs by Andy Razaf and Fats Waller
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 25 Sep 18 - 05:53 PM

There have been many songs with the title PRISONER OF LOVE, as you can see by browsing through the ASCAP database. One of them was written by Andy Razaf and Thomas (“Fats”) Waller. Unfortunately, the database doesn’t say who recorded it, if anyone. That will take some more research.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs by Andy Razaf and Fats Waller
From: keberoxu
Date: 25 Sep 18 - 04:39 PM

I'm not sure about Prisoner of Love.
Might there be more than one song with that title?

I grew up with the song
recorded, separately, by
Perry Como and by Lena Horne.

But the songwriting credits for the song they recorded
list three songwriters, none of them Razaf or Waller.

Subject: Lyr Add: GUESS WHO'S IN TOWN? (Razaf/Johnson)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 22 Sep 18 - 11:25 PM

My friend Pop Wagner sings this; after hearing it last night I was inspired to look it up. I found these lyrics posted here at a “poetry” website. No source was cited, but I suspect it came from the sheet music, since there are verses here I can’t find on any recording. Fats Waller wasn’t involved in this one, but what the heck.


GUESS WHO'S IN TOWN? (NOBODY BUT THAT GAL OF MINE)
Words by Andy Razaf, music by J. C. Johnson, ©1928.

[VERSE 1] Call in your reporters if they want some news.
Got a headline story they are free to use.
Something great has happened; I got a break and how!
You can bet, I'm all set; gonna meet her now.

[CHORUS 1] Guess who's in town?
I'm happy when I mention
    Nobody but that gal of mine.
Guess who's aroun',
And gets all my attention?
    Nobody but that gal of mine.
        When she goes by
        Weak eyes cry out for glasses
        Who can deny
        She really knows her molasses?
Oh me, oh my,
Who shows the world what class is?
    Nobody but that gal of mine.

[CHORUS 2] Guess who's in town
And is the main attraction?
    Nobody but that gal of mine.
Guess who's aroun',
And gettin' plenty action?
    Nobody but that gal of mine.
        Some honey child,
        I want you all to meet her.
        I'll put it mild,
        When she's around, don't need a heater.
Who's got me wild,
And keeps on getting sweeter?
    Nobody but that gal of mine.

[VERSE 2] Never like to talk much; never like to rave,
But here's one occasion my tongue won't behave.
Gonna start broadcastin'; I've got a sweet program.
I'm in high; please stand by; see how good I am.

[CHORUS 3] Guess who's in town,
Who do they say is clever?
    Nobody but that gal of mine.
Guess who's in town
And lookin' hot as ever?
    Nobody but that gal of mine.
        She's mine and how,
        Tell ev'ryone you've seen us.
        We've made a vow,
        Devil himself can't come between us.
I'm yellin' now,
Who is a perfect Venus?
    Nobody but that gal of mine.

[CHORUS 4] Guess who's in town,
Who do they say is clever?
    Nobody but that gal of mine.
Guess who's in town
And fills my life with honey?
    Nobody but that gal of mine.
        Listen to this,
        We've got a date at seven.
        Oh what a kiss,
        I'll keep her busy until 'leven.
Speakin' of bliss,
Who has the key to Heaven?
    Nobody but that gal of mine.


Recorded by:
Ethel Waters, 1928-08-21
Clevelanders, 1928-10-16
Bill Boyd And Cowboy Ramblers, 1936-10-01
Max Kaminsky And His Jazz Band, 1944-06-02 (instrumental)
Bobby Short
Helen Humes

Subject: Lyr Add: ZONKY (Razaf/Waller)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 18 Jun 15 - 01:05 AM

ZONKY
From Connie's Revue "Load of Coal"
Words by Andy Razaf; music by Thomas "Fats" Waller. ©1929.
As recorded Clarence Williams' Jazz Kings, with Eva Taylor, vocalist, 1929.

Any time you introduce the zonky,
Start a-cuttin' loose; get honky-tonky.
It's a good excuse to let your feelings run wild.

Shake your feet a-plenty; don't be haughty.
Work 'em double twenty; that means forty.
Make a noisy entry; act just like a big child.

Got such, well, you know what I want to say.
Hot much, hm! That tempo sure is tight that way.

I will bet a dime against a doughnut
Other dances they may come and go, but
When you learn the zonky, you will want it to stay.


Other early recordings were made by:
Bill Brown and His Brownies, 1929.
Shreveport Sizzlers, 1929.
McKinney's Cotton Pickers, 1930.
Fats Waller, 1935.
Six Men and a Girl, 1940.
Nat Jaffe, 1944.

Subject: Lyr Add: WILLOW TREE (Razaf/Waller)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 17 Jun 15 - 03:31 PM

WILLOW TREE
From "Keep Shufflin'"
Words by Andy Razaf; music by Thomas "Fats" Waller. ©1928.
As recorded by Mildred Bailey and Her Alleycats, [date unknown to me]

Willow tree,
Hear my plea.
When you weep, think of me,
'Cause I'm so weary with misery.

Happy breeze,
Hear me, please.
Sigh for me through the trees.
My life's so dreary with misery.

For me it rains and rains.
Each day brings aches and pains.
Feel like a stranger ev'rywhere.
Nobody seems to care.
The burden's more than I can bear.

Willow tree,
Hear my plea.
When you weep, think of me,
'Cause I'm so weary with misery.


There was another early recording by:
Louisiana Sugar Babes (instrumental), 1928.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: THAT RHYTHM MAN (Razaf/Waller/Brooks)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 15 Jun 15 - 11:21 PM

THAT RHYTHM MAN
From "Connie's Hot Chocolates"
Words by Andy Razaf; music by Thomas "Fats" Waller and Harry Brooks. ©1929.
As recorded by Jimmie Noone's Apex Club Orchestra, 1929.

Now the trees all sway to rhythm,
And the children play to rhythm.
All the birdies flap their wings in rhythm too.

All the breezes blow to rhythm,
And the rivers flow to rhythm.
Ev'ry flower nods in rhythm all day through.

Ev'ry dance and ev'ry melody
Acts according to his recipe.

Ev'rybody walks to rhythm.
Ev'rybody talks to rhythm.
Seems the world can't do without that rhythm man.


Other early recordings were made by:
Louis Armstrong, 1929.
Duke Ellington & His Memphis Men, 1929.
Billy Cotton, 1930.
Chick Webb and His Orchestra, 1934.

Subject: Lyr Add: SWEET SAVANNAH SUE (Razaf/Waller/Brooks)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 15 Jun 15 - 06:24 PM

SWEET SAVANNAH SUE
From "Connie's Hot Chocolates"
Words by Andy Razaf; music by Thomas "Fats" Waller and Harry Brooks. ©1929.
As recorded by Irving Mills and His Hotsy Totsy Gang (with a female vocalist), 1929.

Sweet Savannah Sue,
Around my heart you're clingin'.
Sweet Savannah Sue,
For you I'm ting-a-lingin'.
Got me all day through
A-singin'.
If you but knew how much I think of you!
Stars are shining bright,
A-blinkin'.
Moon am full tonight,
A-winkin'.
Lover's Lane is bright,
My honey.
Oh, you know what I'm thinkin'.

Now a waltz with you
Would sure be hunky-dory,
And a kiss or two
Would be a trip to glory.
This ain't nothin' new,
I'm tellin' you.
You know it's true.
Oh, honey, never
In old Savannah,
Ever
Was there a grander
Time for me to say: "I love you,
Sweet Savannah Sue."

Early recordings were made by:
Fats Waller (piano), 1929.
Irving Mills and His Hotsy Totsy Gang (instrumental and vocal versions) 1929.
Fats Waller and His Rhythm, 1929.
Louis Armstrong and His Orchestra, 1929.
Fess Williams and His Royal Flush Orchestra, 1929.
There is a more recent recording by:
Chris Barber's Jazz Band

Subject: Lyr Add: STRANGE AS IT SEEMS (Razaf/Waller)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 12 Jun 15 - 11:31 PM

STRANGE AS IT SEEMS
Words by Andy Razaf; music by Thomas "Fats" Waller. ©1932.
As sung by Adelaide Hall, 1932.

VERSE: I believed that you were free,
And I could win your heart,
But I find we only can be friends.
Though there is no hope for me,
And you and I must part,
Still this is the way the story ends.

CHORUS: Though I know I'm wasting my time to love you.
Strange as it seems, deep in my heart I do.

Strange as it seems, I keep on thinking of you,
Clinging to dreams, dreams that will not come true.

One night of bliss, one stolen kiss is thrilling me yet.
Why should it be unlucky me who now must forget we ever met?

Though you can be nothing to me, I want you.
Strange as it seems, deep in my heart I do.


Other early recordings were made by:
Cab Calloway and His Orchestra, 1932.
Isham Jones and His Orchestra, 1932.

Subject: Lyr Add: STAYIN' AT HOME (Razaf/Waller)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 12 Jun 15 - 11:02 PM

STAYIN' AT HOME, HAPPY TO BE BY MYSELF
Words by Andy Razaf; music by Thomas "Fats" Waller. ©1940.
As recorded by Fats Waller and His Rhythm, 1940.

Got you on my mind.
Don't care to step out.
I'm easy to find
When you're not about,
Just staying at home, happy to be by myself.

I've got to knock wood.
I've always been true.
So nice to be good
For someone like you.
I'm staying at home, happy to be on the shelf.

A cozy chair
For solitaire,
Perhaps a book or two;
When things are slow,
The radio—
Ah! How can I be blue?

There's plenty to do,
So much to think of.
There's heaven in view,
For it's really love.
I'm staying at home, happy to be by myself.


Also recorded by Erskine Butterfield and His Blues Boys, 1940.

Subject: Lyr Add: SITTIN' UP WAITIN' FOR YOU (Razaf/Waller)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 11 Jun 15 - 07:26 PM

SITTIN' UP WAITIN' FOR YOU
Words by Andy Razaf; music by Thomas "Fats" Waller. ©1933.
Transcription taken from Peter Mintun (verse) and Jay Wilbur (chorus)

VERSE: Eight o'clock, nine o'clock, now it's ten,
And you are not here yet.
Two o'clock, three o'clock; once again
You've got me so upset.
See the lines all in my face.
Mine is such a funny case.

CHORUS: By myself, high on the shelf,
I'm all alone and blue,
Always got me waitin'; it's so aggravatin',
Sittin' up waitin' for you.

Growin' thin, I feel all in,
Old rockin' chair is due,
And it's all from waitin', so humiliatin',
Sittin' up waitin' for you.

If I keep up these hours,
I'll soon waste away,
And I'll be gettin' flowers
Ev'ry decoration day.

It ain't right, night after night,
To do me like you do.
Always got me waitin'; it's so aggravatin',
Sittin' up waitin' for you.


Early recordings were made by:
Anson Weeks and His Music, 1933.
Ted Weems and His Orchestra, 1933.
Jay Wilbur and His Band, 1933.
Alice Faye (in a radio broadcast)
A recent video has the verse:
Paul Mintun on YouTube.

Subject: Lyr Add: OH YOU SWEET THING (Razaf/Waller)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 11 Jun 15 - 03:36 PM

OH YOU SWEET THING
Words by Andy Razaf; music by Thomas "Fats" Waller.
As recorded by Harry Roy and His Orchestra, 1935.

Oh, you sweet thing!
I simply had to fall(?)
I see just why they call
You sweet thing.

Oh, you sweet thing!
I ...(?) too much
For you are really such
A sweet thing.

That one word perfection
Fits you to a tee.
Speaking of correction(?),
You're a whole confection'ry.

Oh, you sweet thing!
So sweet you take my breath,
I could love you to death,
You sweet thing.


Early recordings were made by:
Billy Banks and His Band, 1932.
Earl Hines and His Orchestra (instrumental), 1932.
Washboard Rhythm Kings, 1932.
Walter Fuller (instrumental)
Louis De Vries (instrumental)
Recent recordings were made by:
Andre Previn (instrumental), 1953.

Subject: Lyr Add: OFF-TIME (Razaf/Waller/Brooks)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 11 Jun 15 - 01:34 PM

OFF-TIME
From "Connie's Hot Chocolates"
Words by Andy Razaf; music by Thomas "Fats" Waller and Harry Brooks. ©1929.
As recorded by the original Broadway cast of "Ain't Misbehavin'", 1987.

VERSE: In these scientific days,
Ev'ryone's futuristic,
So you'll find it always pays
When you are modernistic.
Here's the dance
That's got 'em guessin'.
Now's the chance
To take a lesson.
Peculiar, goodness knows!
Here's the way it goes:

CHORUS: First hesitate, then syncopate,
While on the off-beat, you punctuate.
That's off-time.
That's off-time.

Work to the left; work to the right.
Sway like you're on the tail of a kite.
That's off-time.
That's off-time.

Mix it with slow motion.
Stir it up with pep.
Get a sudden notion
For a struttin' step.

Up off your heels, down on your toes,
Don't watch the floor; just follow your nose.
That's off-time.
That's off-time.


Early recordings were made by:
Jimmie Noone's Apex Club Orchestra (instrumental), 1929.
Sedric & Honey Bears w/Myra Johnson, vocalist, 1938.

Subject: Lyr Add: MIGHTY FINE (Razaf/Waller)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 07 Jun 15 - 11:54 PM

MIGHTY FINE
Words by Andy Razaf; music by Thomas "Fats" Waller. ©1940.
As recorded by Fats Waller and His Rhythm, 1940.

Once I used to laugh at romance,
Thought that it would never pay.
Didn't know the half of romance.
I've got a diff'rent view today.

It's mighty fine
To have a gal like mine.
She's so divine.
That's why I toe the line.
It's mighty fine
To know that rain or shine,
She'll be clinging like a vine.

I know that I'm
As happy as can be.
She's got no time
For no one else but me.
You must agree
That I am doggone lucky.
Bliss like this is mighty fine.

Ask me what love is,
I'll tell you: so fine.

Subject: Lyr Add: I'M NOW PREPARED TO TELL THE WORLD (Razaf
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 07 Jun 15 - 02:05 PM

I'M NOW PREPARED TO TELL THE WORLD (IT'S YOU)
Words by Andy Razaf; music by Thomas "Fats" Waller. ©1932.
As recorded by Cab Calloway, 1932.

Who's the one I'm glad to see?
She never keeps me feelin' blue.
I'm prepared to tell the world it's you, it's you, it's you.

Who's the one that I adore?
Keeps her little daddy runnin' back for more.
I'm prepared to tell the world it's you, it's you, it's you.

Why did I ever conceal it?
I think it's time to reveal it.

Who's kept me thinkin' of
A little home for two?
I'm prepared to tell the world it's you, it's you, it's you.

Subject: Lyr Add: MY MAN IS GOOD FOR NOTHING BUT LOVE
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 05 Jun 15 - 01:18 PM

MY MAN IS GOOD FOR NOTHING BUT LOVE
Words by Andy Razaf; music by Thomas "Fats" Waller and Harry Brooks.
From "Hot Chocolates"
As recorded by Edith Wilson, 1929.

VERSE: I love someone
Second to none
But cupid.
You hear me talkin' to ya—
In makin' love,
He makes hot stuff(?)
Look stupid.
He's made love a special art,
Gives me treatments for my heart.
I realized right from the start
That—

CHORUS: My man ain't good for nothin' but love,
Never thinks of
Nothin' but love.

Each day he finds a new way to love.
Heavens above!
How he can love!

His lips are noted.
They're sugar-coated,
So sweet they take my breath,
And when he holds me,
Squeezes and folds me,
Seems like he loves me to death.

His arms fit me just like a glove.
Why, he's like a dove,
Ain't good for nothin' but love.


Duke Ellington, with (I think) vocalist Irving Mills, recorded "My Gal Is Good for Nothing but Love," 1930, which is a gender-switched version of the above song.
Ruth Etting recorded "I'm Good for Nothing but Love," 1931, but this is a completely different song.
Barry Wood's Music recorded "Good for Nothing but Love," 1939, which I haven't heard, so I can't say whether it's a version of the same song.

Subject: Lyr Add: PATTY CAKE PATTY CAKE (Razaf/Waller/...)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 04 Jun 15 - 07:01 PM

PATTY CAKE, PATTY CAKE (BAKER MAN)
Words and music by Andy Razaf, J. C. Johnson and Thomas "Fats" Waller. ©1938.
As recorded by Bunny Berigan and His Orchestra with vocalist Kathleen Lane, 1939.

Patty cake, patty cake, baker man.
Mix your music in a rhythm pan,
Give it all the heat you can,
Serve it right away,

Patty cake, patty cake, baker man.
What you've got is really in demand.
Dish it with your expert hand.
Start the band to play.

Get that oven pipin' hot
Like you always do.
Stir up all the heat* you got
Make some swingeroo.

Patty cake, patty cake, baker man.
Mix your music in a rhythm pan.
Give it all the heat you can.
Serve it right away.


* Waller sings "pep."
There is a missing verse that begins: "I still love those nurs'ry rhymes of those happy childhood times."
Other early recordings were made by:
The Merry Macs, 1939.
Fats Waller and His Rhythm, 1938

Subject: Lyr Add: MY FATE IS IN YOUR HANDS (Razaf/Waller)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 04 Jun 15 - 02:21 AM

MY FATE IS IN YOUR HANDS
Words by Andy Razaf; music by Thomas "Fats" Waller. ©1929.
As sung by Marion Harris, 1929.

VERSE: Wanting you is my offense.
You have all the evidence.
Now I wait for you to sentence me.
Must I go or must I stay?
Will my skies be blue or gray?
Are my dreams to be or not to be?

CHORUS: There's no use pretending.
Love needs no defending.
What is the verdict? My fate is in your hands.

You're my judge and jury.
What do you assure me?
What is the verdict? My fate is in your hands.

If the charge is loving you,
Then I'm guilty, dear.
Tell me that you love me too
And I'll have no fear.

It is you I'm needing.
For your love I'm pleading.
What is the verdict? My fate is in your hands.

SPOKEN: Because I adore you, must I feel ashamed?
Am I to be pitied? Am I to be blamed?
If my soul is aching with longing and love,
What law have I broken down here, or above?
No power on earth can this take(?) to the heart.
If love is a sin, then I've sinned from the start.
I've made no denials; I've stated my case.
To know what that means, one must be in my place.
You've heard my confession, so do what you will:
Love me or hate me, I'll worship you still.

SUNG: What is the verdict? My fate is in your hands.


Other early recordings were made by:
Joe Ryan and His Orchestra, 1929.
Meyer Davis and His Orchestra, 1929.
The Bostonians, 1929.
Roland Lance, ca. 1929.
Gene Austin, 1929.
Nat Shilkret and Victor Orchestra, 1929.
Smith Ballew and His Orchestra, 1929.
Josephine Baker, 1931.
James P. Johnson (piano), 1944.
The Charioteers, 1947.
Bill Carey, 1955.
Fats Waller (piano).
Fats Waller (organ).

Subject: Lyr Add: JEALOUS OF ME (Razaf/Waller)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 03 Jun 15 - 10:26 PM

JEALOUS OF ME
Words by Andy Razaf; music by Thomas "Fats" Waller. ©1937.
As sung by Fats Waller.

I know why each honeybee
Has to feel jealous of me.
They search by the hour
Until they are blue.
They can't find a flower
As lovely as you.

Showing you off to the crowd
Makes me feel lucky and proud—
A perfect good fellow,
So gentle and kind.
Your ways are so mellow,
So sweet and refined.

One look at you and I see
Just why they are jealous of me.

Subject: Lyr Add: IF YOU CAN'T BE GOOD, BE CAREFUL
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 03 Jun 15 - 06:25 PM

In the following transcription, the verses are taken from OnlineSheetMusic.com, and the chorus is from Chris Barber, on "1961-62"


IF YOU CAN'T BE GOOD, BE CAREFUL
Words and music by Andy Razaf and Thomas "Fats" Waller.

1. You ask why I sigh
As I say goodbye,
Why I'm looking so blue.
Here's my reason, dear:
I will not be here
Seeing what you do.
Although I know you'll be true,
Still I am saying to you:

CHORUS: If you can't be good, be careful,
And don't go astray.
Oh, there's a saying: mice take chances
When they know the cat's away.
Soon as I'm out o' town,
I know there's gonna be
Some rivals hangin' round
You constantly.
My darling, if you can't be good, be careful,
While your sweetie is away.

2. Write me ev'ry day
While I'm away,
Telling me all the news.
Don't leave nothing out.
Free my mind from doubt,
Or I'll have the blues.
You'll keep your conscience quite clear
If you'll remember, my dear: CHORUS.


Also recorded by:
Joe Sullivan (piano)
Neville Dickie (piano)

Subject: Lyr Add: IF IT AIN'T LOVE (Razaf/Waller/Redman)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 03 Jun 15 - 03:48 PM

IF IT AIN'T LOVE
Words and music by Don Redman, Thomas "Fats" Waller, Andy Razaf. ©1932.

I. As sung by The Boswell Sisters, 1932:

If it ain't love,
Why should I feel just like I do?
If it ain't love,
Why am I here longin' for you?
What can it be
That's makin' me
Dream of you night and day,
Keepin' me blue,
All the day through,
Whenever you're away?

If it ain't love,
Then it must be some magic art.
If it ain't love,
How did this song leap into my heart?
Oh, why
Do I sigh
To the moon high above?
Please answer me:
What can it be,
If it ain't love?

II. Ollie Shepard turned this into a blues song, 1937:

If it ain't love, why do I feel the way I do? (2x)
Why am I here, baby, longin' just for you?

I just dream of you ev'ry night and day. (2x)
I stay so blue whenever you're away.

What can it be that makes me dream of you? (2x)
If it ain't love, then why am I so blue?

Why do I sigh to the moon so high above? (2x)
What can it be, baby, if it ain't love?


There seems to be a missing verse that begins: "I'm one person you can safely bet on"
Other early recordings were made by:
Leo Reisman and His Orchestra, 1932.
Isham Jones Orchestra, 1932.
Chick Bullock's Levee Loungers, 1932.
Dick Robertson and His Orchestra, ca. 1932.
The Nitecaps/Rhythm Boys, 1932.
Chick Webb and His Orchestra, 1934.

Subject: Lyr Add: FOOLIN' MYSELF (Razaf/Waller?)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 03 Jun 15 - 01:36 PM

FOOLIN' MYSELF
Words by Andy Razaf; music by Thomas "Fats" Waller.*
As sung by Billie Holiday with Teddy Wilson and His Orchestra, 1937.

I tell myself I'm through with love,
And I'll have nothing more to do with love.
I stay away,
But ev'ry day,
I'm just foolin' myself.

I tell my friends that I don't care.
I shrug my shoulders at the whole affair,
But they all know.
It isn't so;
I'm just foolin' myself.

And ev'ry time I pass
And see myself in the looking-glass,
I tip my hat and say:
"How do you do, you fool? You're throwin' your life away."

I'm acting gay; I'm acting proud,
And ev'ry time I see you in a crowd,
I may pretend,
But in the end,
I'm just foolin' myself.


Other early recordings were made by:
Johnny Hodges and His Orchestra, 1937.
Andy Kirk and His Twelve Clouds of Joy, 1937.
Chick Bullock's Levee Loungers, 1937.

* I have found some sources that say this song was written by Jack Lawrence & Peter Tinturin. I don't know what to make of this. The tune and lyrics seem consistent with the repertoire of Razaf & Waller. Did Razaf & Waller use pseudonyms? Are two different songs being confused? There certainly are other songs with the same title. I haven't seen any actual sheet music or record labels, and I haven't found any reliable sources that match a quote from the lyrics with an attribution.

Anyway, I'm certain that Holiday sang the above lyrics in 1937, although the attribution to Razaf & Waller may be questionable.

Subject: Lyr Add: I HAD TO DO IT (Razaf/Waller)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 03 Jun 15 - 11:44 AM

I HAD TO DO IT
Words by Andy Razaf; music by Thomas "Fats" Waller. ©1938.
As recorded by Fats Waller.

VERSE: What in the world am I doin'?
Why am I feelin' this way?
Can this be me?
What can it be
That is causing me to say—?

CHORUS: I had to do it.
I had to do it.*
What else was there to do,
But fall in love,
Yes, fall in love
With you?

I had to stumble.
I had to tumble
Like Humpty Dumpty, too.
I took a fall,
My heart and all,
For you.

I said that I would not be led by romance.
Instead, right at your first glance,
I fell like a drinker,
Hook, line and sinker.

I had to do it.
Was glad to do it.
Sweetheart, I never knew
How grand it was
To fall in love
With you.


* On one recording, he sings "was s'posed to do it."
Early recordings were made by:
Horace Heidt and His Brigadiers, 1938?.
Benny Goodman and His Orchestra, 1938.
Recent recordings were made by:
John Sheridan and His Dream Band, on "Swing Is Still the King" (2007)
Antti Sarpila Swing Band on "Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Fats Waller" (as an instrumental - 2004)

Subject: Lyr Add: HOW CAN YOU FACE ME? (Razaf/Waller)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 09:58 PM

HOW CAN YOU FACE ME?
Words by Andy Razaf; music by Thomas "Fats" Waller. ©1934.
As recorded by Maxine Sullivan on "A Tribute to Andy Razaf" (1956)

VERSE: Love 'em, leave 'em, and deceive 'em
Seems to be your game.
My romance was just your new affair.
I was happy, oh, so happy,
Till the wakening came,
But now I know I was a fool to care.

CHORUS: How can you face me
After what I've gone through,
All on account of you,
Tearing my heart in two?

Have you no conscience?
How could you be so bold?
Why have you grown so cold,
After the lies you told?

No one now seems to be on the level
Since I found that my angel was just the devil.

Why do I love you?
Why did you teach me how?
After you broke each vow,
How can you face me now?


Early recordings were made by:
Fats Waller and His Rhythm, 1934.
Vincent Rose and His Orchestra, 1934.
George Hall Hotel Taft Orchestra, 1934.
Dorsey Brothers Orchestra, 1934.
Casa Loma Orchestra, 1934.
Connie Mclean's Rhythm Orchestra, 1936.
Nat Jaffe, 1944.

Subject: Lyr Add: A HOPELESS LOVE AFFAIR (Razaf/Waller)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 08:58 PM

A HOPELESS LOVE AFFAIR
Words by Andy Razaf; music by Thomas "Fats" Waller.
As recorded by Fats Waller and His Rhythm, 1937.

Do you know what it is to have a hopeless love affair?
Do you know how it hurts to love someone who doesn't care? (Ah, mercy!)
Do you know how it feels to call and find your rival there, (Mm-hmm-mm.)
Getting the petting you care for,*
The bliss and the kisses you burn for?
Do you know what it means to have your castles fall on you?
Do you know what it does to dream sweet dreams that won't come true? (Ah, mercy!)
You've never seen shadows,
You've never seen rain, (Ah, baby, no!)
You've never been lonesome,
You've never had pain,
Till you've known what it is to have a hopeless love affair.


* Julian Faluth sang "yearn for" which rhymes better.
Words in parentheses are spoken by Waller, and probably improvised.

Subject: Lyr Add: DOIN' WHAT I PLEASE (Razaf/Waller)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 04:16 PM

DOIN' WHAT I PLEASE
Words, Andy Razaf; music, Thomas "Fats" Waller. ©1931.

I. As recorded by Adelaide Hall, 1931.

VERSE: Since my sweetie proved untrue,
I see life diff'rent now.
Ain't got nobody
With strings on me.
Where I go and what I do
Is my own biz, and how!
I'm livin' independently,
And from now on I vow:

CHORUS 1: I'm free and single.
My conscience is at ease.
I'm free to mingle.
I'm a-doin' what I please.

I stay out late nights.
No one has my key.
I keep each date night,
Oh, a-doin' what I please.

Don't have no star boarders(?),
'Cause they keep you on the shelf.
I ain't takin' orders,
For I just enjoy myself.

Should I go sailin',
'Cross the seven seas,
Nobody to stop me,
I'm a-doin' what I please.

CHORUS 2: I have romances
Like a dog has fleas.
I keep each date night,
Oh, a-doin' what I please.

Breeze in at parties
Like a reckless breeze,
Outsmart the smarties
Just a-doin' what I please.

Where there is no action,
Why, the blues is all about.
I ain't takin' orders.
Why, I'm just enjoyin' myself.

Should I get tipsy,
On a jamboree,
Nobody to stop me,
I'm a-doin' what I please.

II. As recorded by Don Redman and His Orchestra, 1932.

CHORUS 1: I'm staying single,
Conscience at ease.
I'm free to mingle.
I do what I please.

When I'm out late nights,
No one has my keys.
Yeah, I keep my date nights,
Doin' what I please.

You know I don't have no star boarders(?),
'Cause they keep you on the shelf,
And I ain't takin' orders,
So I just go along enjoyin' myself.

Should I go sailing,
Cross seven seas,
No one can stop me
From doin' what I please.

CHORUS 2: You know I have romances
Just like a dog has fleas.
I take in all the dances.
That's because I do what I please.

I blow in at these parties
Just like a reckless breeze.
I outsmart all these other smarties
Because I do just what I please.

You know where there's no action,
You will find that there's blues about,
And I get my satisfaction
Only when I'm steppin' out.

And whenever I get tipsy,
Out of one o' these jamborees,
No one can stop me,
'Cause I do what I please.

Subject: Lyr Add: FIND OUT WHAT THEY LIKE (Razaf/Waller)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 09:39 AM

FIND OUT WHAT THEY LIKE (AND HOW THEY LIKE IT)
Words, Andy Razaf; music, Thomas "Fats" Waller. ©1929.
As sung by Lena Wilson, 1930.

VERSE: I used to wonder right along
Why I couldn't hold a man.
Ev'ry love affair went wrong
Until I changed my plan.
I'm having no more trouble now.
My daddy's nice as he can be.
Ladies, I will tell you how,
That's if you'll take a tip from me.

CHORUS 1: Find out what they like, and how they like it,
And let 'em have it just that way.
Give 'em what they want, and when they want it,
Without a single word to say.
{You've got to cater to a man, and if you don't,
He'll find some other gal to do the things you won't.}*
{A man is like a baby and it's too bad, Jim,
The day some gal is smart enough to baby him.}*
{You will lose him if you give him lollipops
When you know he's almost crazy 'bout some chops.}*
Find out what he likes, and how he likes it,
And let 'im have it just that way.

CHORUS 2: Just find out what they like, and how they like it,
And let 'em have it just that way.
Give 'em what they want, and when they want it,
Without a single word to say.
{Now if he claims his lodge is meeting ev'ry night,
It means you do not handle all your bus'ness right.}*
{Just use more sugar if he says your jam ain't sweet,
Or he will sneak for his dessert across the street.}*
Find out what he likes, and how he likes it,
And let 'im have it just that way, I say,
Let 'im have it just that way.


* A variable number of couplets can be inserted at this point in each chorus. Some singers only sing one couplet per chorus.
Another early recording was made by:
Pat Flowers, ca. 1947.

Subject: Lyr Add: KEEPIN' OUT OF MISCHIEF NOW (Razaf/Waller
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 01:54 AM

KEEPIN' OUT OF MISCHIEF NOW
Words, Andy Razaf; music, Thomas "Fats" Waller. ©1932.

1. Don't even go to a movie show
If you're not at my side.
I stay home by my radio,
But I'm satisfied.
All my flirting days are gone.
On the level from now on.

2. Don't go for any excitement now.
Books are my best company.
All my opinions have changed somehow,
Old-fashioned as can be.
When you really learn to care,
There's a thrill in solitaire.

CHORUS: Keepin' out of mischief now.
Really am in love, and how!
I'm through playing with fire.
It's you whom I desire.
All the world can plainly see
You're the only one for me.
I've told them in advance,
They can't break up our romance.
Living up to ev'ry vow,
I'm keepin' out of mischief now.


Early recordings were made by:
Ralph Bennett and His 7 Aces, 1932.
Chick Bullock's Levee Loungers, 1932.
Paul Specht and His Orchestra, 1932.
Isham Jones and His Orchestra, 1932.
Tempo King's Kings of Tempo, 1936.
Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra (instrumental), 1936.
Fats Waller (piano), 1937.
Bob Howard and His Orchestra, 1938.
Nat Jaffe, 1944.
James P. Johnson, 1944.
Also recorded by:
Louis Armstrong
Dinah Washington
Maxine Sullivan
and many others.

Subject: Lyr Add: CONCENTRATIN' (ON YOU) (Razaf/Waller)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 01 Jun 15 - 08:37 PM

CONCENTRATIN' (ON YOU)
Words, Andy Razaf; music, Thomas "Fats" Waller, ©1931.

I. As sung by (a) Connie Boswell/The Boswell Sisters, 1931; (b) Mildred Bailey, 1931.

VERSE:
Seems that I'm goin' cuckoo,
Dizzy as I can be.
Since the day we met,
I've been all upset.
Something's happened to me.
All I've got, I find,
Is a one-track mind.

CHORUS:
I put my shoe on my head,
My hat on my feet,
Forgetful the whole day through.
I can't think of
Nothin' but love,
Concentratin' on you.

I put my clothes on the bed,
Sleep on the seat.
I can't figure two and two.
Got crazy ways.
I'm in a daze,
Concentratin' on you.

I had a perfect memory
Until you came along.
Now since your spell is over me,
My brain seems all wrong.

Sometimes I stand in my flat,
Don't know where I'm at.
I pay bills before they're due.
Got you to thank.
My mind's a blank,
Concentratin' on you.

II. As sung by Blanche Calloway, 1931:

[She sings the verse as above, then the following chorus, then the chorus as above.]

CHORUS:
At times I'm out o' my head.
I act indiscreet,
Forgetful the whole day through.
I can't think of
Nothin' but love,
Concentratin' on you.

At home I have my own bed,
Sleep in the street.
I can't figure two and two.
Oh, how I rave.
I'm nearin' my grave,
Concentratin' on you.

I had a perfect memory
Until you came to town.
Now since your spell is over me,
Boy, I'm bughouse bound.

Sometimes I wander at night(?),
Don't know where I'm at.
I poop-oop-a-doop-a-doop too.
In course o' time,
I lose my mind,
Concentratin' on you.


I don't think "I wander at night" is correct, but it's the best I can do--this is my own transcription from the audio.
Other early recordings were made by:
California Ramblers, 1931
Ed Kirkeby and His Orchestra, 1931

Subject: Lyr Add: CAN'T WE GET TOGETHER? (Razaf/Waller...)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 01 Jun 15 - 02:08 PM

CAN'T WE GET TOGETHER?
Words, Andy Razaf; music, Thomas "Fats" Waller and Harry Brooks. ©1929.
From "Connie's Hot Chocolates" Revue.
As recorded by Irving Mills & His Hotsy Totsy Gang, 1929.

Why can't we be more democratic?
You always answer me with static.
I'm askin': can't we get together now?

Why do you treat me like a stranger?
One kiss will take away the danger.
I'm askin': can't we get together now?

Say yes and I will show you action.
I guarantee you satisfaction.

Why must you keep me at a distance?
I'm doggone tired of your resistance.
I'm askin': can't we get together now?


I can't help thinking there is a missing verse, but I can't find a vocal recording that has it.
Another early recording was made by
The Dixie Daisies, 1929.
Later recordings were made by:
Chris Barber's Jazz Band (instrumental)
Joe Sullivan (piano)

Subject: Lyr Add: BLUE TURNING GREY OVER YOU (Razaf/Waller)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 01 Jun 15 - 12:12 AM

BLUE TURNING GREY OVER YOU
Words, Andy Razaf; music, Thomas "Fats" Waller, ©1930.
As recorded by Lee Morse and Her Bluegrass Boys, 1930.

What will I do at sundown?
What will I do at dawn?
What will I do at noontime,
Now that I've found you gone?

What will I do for sunshine,
With nothin' but the rain?
How can I smile,
Find life worthwhile,
With a heart that's filled with pain?

Oh, my, how I miss
Your tender kiss,
And the wonderful things you would do!
I run my hands
Through silv'ry strands,
'Cause I'm blue, turning grey, over you.

You used to be
So good to me.
That's when I was a novelty.
Now you have new thrills in view,
Found someone new,
And left me blue, turning grey, over you.


Early recordings were made by:
Irving Kaufman with Orchestra, ca. 1930.
Nat Shilkret and His Orchestra, 1930.
Clevelanders, 1930.
Fats Waller and His Rhythm (instrumental), 1937.
James P. Johnson (piano), 1944.
Frankie Laine w/Carl Fischer, 1946.
Gene Krupa and His Orchestra, 1950.
Ralph Sutton (piano), ca. 1951.
Billie Holiday w/Tiny Grimes 6, 1951.

Other recordings were made by:
Louis Armstrong and His All-Stars
Ringo Starr
Harry James
Muggsy Spanier
...and many others.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs by Andy Razaf and Fats Waller
From: GUEST,Phil
Date: 31 May 15 - 09:22 PM

Typo: The above is on Side B of the Okeh release, sorry 'bout that Chief.

Subject: Lyr Add: I'D RATHER BE BLUE THAN GREEN (Razaf/...)
From: GUEST,Phil
Date: 31 May 15 - 08:18 PM

I'D RATHER BE BLUE THAN GREEN
(Razaf, Williams & Waller, 1924)

Some folks criticize me
Because I'm always blue.
Some folks criticize me
Because I'm always blue.
But they sympathize
If they knew what I've been through.
They make feel plain
And that's just why I sing

Rather be blue
Rather be blue
Rather be blue than green.
Rather be blue
Rather be blue than green.
'Cause when a woman's green
Hasn't got a chance I mean.

My eyes are brown.
My eyes are brown.
My teeth are pearly white.
My eyes are brown
My teeth are pearly white
Because my skin is dark
It don't mean my heart ain't right.

I always be red
Always be red
Daddy stays out late
Always be red
When Daddy stays out late
'Cause I know some high yellah
Has kept him for a date.

When you are green
When you are green
Men fool you right on through.
When you are green
Men fool you right on through.
But when you know your business
They'll bring it on back home to you.


Sarah Martin, Side A (b/w What Kind'a Man Is You?) Okeh 8191, 1924
Sarah Martin, In Chronological Order, Vol. 3, Document DOCD-5397, 1995

Subject: Lyr Add: DIXIE CINDERELLA (Razaf/Waller/Brooks)
From: GUEST,Phil
Date: 31 May 15 - 07:22 PM

DIXIE CINDERELLA
From "Connie's Hot Chocolates" (Revue)
Words by Andy Razaf; music by Thomas "Fats" Waller and Harry Brooks. ©1929.

Never had the measles
And I ain't got the flu.
Still the other children run from me
The whole day through.
I've got lots of playthings
And I can sing a song.
But no one wants me around
It's seems I just don't b'long.

Chorus
I'm a little Dixie Cinderella
Just a blue and lonesome as can be.
Wish that I could find a fortune teller
Is there any happiness on earth for me?
I hide in the attic and the cellar
Even there it seems I'm in the way.
Though I have done no wrong
They have picked on me for years.
And I have cried so long
'Till I have run out tears.
Oh, I'm a little Dixie Cinderella
Just a blue and lonesome as can be.

[Bridge]
[Chorus 1x]

Chris Barber's Jazz Band With Ottilie Patterson ‎– Echoes Of Harlem, Pye Nixa Records ‎– NJL 1, 1956
Barbara Lea and the Legendary Lawson-Haggart Jazz Band, You're The Cat's!, Jazzology JCD 193, 1989 & 1991
Rebecca Kilgore, w/Hal Smith's Rhythmakers, Concentrating' on Fats, Jazzology (?), 1999

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs by Andy Razaf and Fats Waller
From: GUEST,Phil
Date: 31 May 15 - 07:21 PM

"Today a silent piano broods,
No longer does it feel the touch
Of master fingers, magic moods
That thrilled and gave the world so much.
Tho you are gone, we have your art
To keep alive your memory
You left the music lover's heart
A rosary of melody"

Razaf, The New York Amsterdam News, 16 December 1943
(The day after Fats passed.)

Subject: Lyr Add: ANYBODY HERE WANT TO TRY MY CABBAGE
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 31 May 15 - 01:34 PM

ANYBODY HERE WANT TO TRY MY CABBAGE
Words, Andy Razaf; music, Thomas "Fats" Waller. ©1925.

I. As recorded by Maggie Jones, accompanied by Louis Armstrong, 1924.

[Lines in italics are repeated for each verse.]

Anybody here want to try my cabbage,
Just step this way.
Anybody here like to buy good cabbage,
Just holler: "Hey!"
There's no sweeter cabbage anywhere in town.
You can have it boiled or smothered(?) nice and brown.
Anybody here want to try my cabbage,
Just step this way.

Gave some to the parson and he shook with glee.
He took up collection, gave it all to me.

Gave it a corn doctor to fix my feet.
Ev'ry time he sees me, he wants to eat.

Gave some to the jailer who turned the key on me.
When I got through feeding him, he said: "Gal, you're free."


II. As recorded by Mildred Austin, 1928.

VERSE: Down in Tennessee,
Right next door to me,
There's a little restaurant run by Dinah Lee.
She's the kind o' cook
That don't need no book.
If you ever go down there, slip in and take a look.
This is what you hear
Her saying loud and clear:

CHORUS: Anybody here want to try my cabbage,
Just step this way.
Anybody here like buy good cabbage,
Just holler: "Hey!"
There's no sweeter cabbage anywhere in town.
You can have it baked or fried nice and brown.
Anybody here want to buy my cabbage,
Just step this way.

[The following couplets are sung without other lines, using the same tune over and over.]

It's never stale; I serve it fresh each day.
If you don't like it you don't have to pay.

Gave some to the parson and he shook with glee.
He took up collection, gave it all to me.

You can have it have it juicy, have it dry.
If you think you can beat it, go on and try.

My bootlegger tried it; he thinks it's fine.
He'll bring around a case o' liquor any time.

Cooked some for an actor, made it nice and brown.
He's a steady customer when he's in town.

Old man Johnson ate it; he's eighty-two.
Now he's full o' pep and don't know what to do.

Gave some to a sick friend, suffered long,
Put on forty pounds and now he's goin' strong.

Gave some to the rent collector when he called.
Told me from now on there'd be no rent at all.

Served some to the jail man; he liked it well.
He went right back to jail and opened ev'ry cell.

Laundry man had some, said it was fine,
And now the wash and iron don't cost me a dime.

Anybody here want to buy my cabbage,
Just step this way.
Anybody here like to buy good cabbage,
Just holler: "Hey!"
Gave some to the preacher; well, he liked it of course.
He got to thinkin' 'bout it, fell off o' his horse.
Anybody here like to buy good cabbage,
Just holler: "Hey,
Hey, hey!"
Just holler: "Hey!"

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs by Andy Razaf and Fats Waller
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 31 May 15 - 05:19 AM

A worthy project, Jim. Black and Blue is a rare serious song by the pair which I always find moving and often wonder how he managed to keep up such a sunny exterior- the drink and over-eating probably a clue.
While current musicians spend years between recordings and months in the studio to produce forgettable songs, Fats was reputed to write in the taxi on the way to the studio, record several songs in single takes in a day, and what songs! (and what a band).

RtS

Subject: Lyr Add: AIN'T CHA GLAD (Andy Razaf, Fats Waller)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 31 May 15 - 12:31 AM

YouTube has several recordings of this:


AIN'T CHA GLAD? [a.k.a. AIN'TCHA GLAD?]
Words by Andy Razaf; music by Thomas "Fats" Waller. ©1933.

Ain't cha glad
We were were mated for each other?
Ain't cha glad
That we waited for each other?
We agree
Constantly.
Life is just a symphony
Of perfect harmony.

Ain't cha glad
How we get along together?
Ain't cha glad
We can laugh at stormy weather?
Folks declare:
"What a pair!"
They can see we're happy; ain't cha glad?

Just like two lovers
On a picture covers,
In spite of sun or rain,
We find romance.
Ev'ry street we meet is Lovers Lane.

Ain't cha glad
That our kisses keep their flavor?
Ain't cha glad
Ev'rything is in our favor?
Ev'ry day
We can say
Ev'rything is rosy; ain't cha glad?


Early recordings were made by—
Benny Goodman and His Orchestra, with vocal by Jack Teagarden, 1933.
Ernie Holst and His Hotel Lexington Orchestra, 1933.
Hal Kemp and His Orchestra, 1933
Chick Bullock's Levee Loungers, 1937.

Subject: Lyr Add: Songs by Andy Razaf and Fats Waller
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 30 May 15 - 11:33 PM

The duo of Andy Razaf (lyricist) and Fats Waller (composer)—sometimes along with others—produced many good songs. A few of them have already been posted at Mudcat. I plan to add as many others as I can.

This list comes from The Songwriters Hall of Fame

Ain’t-Cha Glad
Ain’t Misbehavin’ (I'm Savin' My Love for You)
Alligator Crawl
Anybody Here Want to Try My Cabbage
Ball and Chain Blues
Blue Turning Grey over You
Buddie
Can’t We Get Together
Choo Choo
Concentratin’ (on You)
Dixie Cinderella
Doin’ What I Please
Farmer in the Dell
Find Out What They Like and How They Like It
Foolin’ Myself
Goddess of Rain
Gone (But Still In My Heart-?)
Got Myself another Jockey Now
Gotta Be, Gonna Be Mine.
Heavy Sugar
Honeysuckle Rose
Hopeless Love Affair
How Can You Face Me
How Jazz Was Born
I Had to Do It
I'd Rather Be Blue than Green
I'm Now Prepared to Tell the World (It's You!)
If It Ain’t Love
If You Can’t Be Good, Be Careful
Jealous of Me
John Henry
Joint Is Jumpin’, The
(That) Jungle Jamboree
Keepin’ Out of Mischief Now
Leaving Me
Lonesome Me
Lost Love
Lovie Lee
Mighty Fine
My Fate Is in Your Hands
My Gift of Dreams
My Man Is Good for Nothin’ but Love
Off Time
Oh You Sweet Thing
On Rainy Days
Patty Cake, Patty Cake, (Baker Man)
Prisoner of Love
Radio Papa (Broadcastin' Mama)
Say Yes
Sittin’ Up Waitin’ for You
(That) Snake Hip Dance
The Spider and the Fly (Poor Fly, Bye-Bye)
Stayin’ at Home, Happy to Be By Myself
Stealin’ Apples
Strange as It Seems
Sweet Savannah Sue
Tall Timber
That Rhythm Man
Wait and See
Walkin' the Floor
Waltz Divine
(What Did I Do to Be So) Black and Blue
Why Am I Alone (With No One to Love?)
Willow Tree
Zonky