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Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs
Related thread:
Help: depression folk music (14)
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Subject: Depression Era Songs From: rea Date: 29 Jan 02 - 07:23 PM My mother occasionally sings snatches of tunes that her dad (who worked for the TVA in the 40s and 50s) sang when she was a kid. One of them is "I'm hungry for your love and I'm waitin' in your welfare line." The other is "I'm more than a number in your little black book, I'm more than a one night stand." Does anyone know the rest of the words, and possibly a recording? |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: GUEST,MCP Date: 29 Jan 02 - 08:00 PM Not sure I'd call them depression era songs, but here are some links to the words. The first is Buck Owens' (I've Got The Hungries For Your Love And I'm) Waiting In The Welfare Line The second was The Drifters' You're More Than A Number In My Little Red Book Mick
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: Sorcha Date: 29 Jan 02 - 08:03 PM You are priceless, Mick! Thanks for being here, friend. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: rea Date: 29 Jan 02 - 08:34 PM Thanks! The wrong words would be due to my mom, whose hearing has always been weak. I didn't realize the tunes were so recent...huh. rea |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: GUEST,MCP Date: 30 Jan 02 - 04:54 PM Sorcha - I'm sure only graciousness stopped you including links you'd already found in your post. Mick |
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Subject: Lyr Add: Songs of the depression From: John MacKenzie Date: 22 Jan 08 - 07:30 AM Found this if anybody is interested. G |
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Subject: ADD: Brother, Can You Spare a Dime^^^ From: Joe Offer Date: 22 Jan 08 - 01:35 PM
from the link Giok posted |
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Subject: ADD: Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries From: Joe Offer Date: 22 Jan 08 - 01:38 PM
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Subject: ADD: We're in the Money From: Joe Offer Date: 22 Jan 08 - 01:40 PM
from the link Giok posted |
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Subject: ADD: Waitin' In Your Welfare Line (Buck Owens?) From: Joe Offer Date: 22 Jan 08 - 01:51 PM WAITIN' IN YOUR WELFARE LINE Performed by Buck Owens & the Buckaroos Source album: Buck Owens Live At Carnegie Hall (CD) Transcription by Eric M. Phillips NOTE: I believe that both Buck Owens and Don Rich (lead guitar) and probably Doyle Holly (bass) all tuned their guitars a half-tone down in this album. So get your gold-flake Telecaster ;^) and lower the strings to Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb and play the chords as written. NOTE #2 This live cut differs from the studio cut in that Buck flubbed the words to the second verse! For completeness, I am including the studio cut lyrics. Enjoy! ----------------------------------------- INTRO: G Em A7 D7VERSE 2 Well, when I first met you babe, you nearly made me wreck my ol' '49 Cadillac Yeah I knew at a glance that it was you for me; I had to have your love by heck I'm gonna follow you baby wherever you go; I got nothin' to lose but my time I got the hungries for your love, and I'm waitin' in your welfare line LEAD SOLO - Same as the last two lines of the verse! VERSE 3 Well, you made me the top dog of your hill, and I was overjoyed But it didn't take long until the thrill was gone, I joined the ranks of the unemployed Now I'm right back where that I started from, but I ain't gonna change my mind I got the hungries for your love, and I'm waitin' in your welfare line I'm waitin' in your welfare line (Gimme a handout) I'm waitin' in your welfare line. from the link posted by Mick above |
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Subject: Add: You're More Than A Number In My Little Red Bk From: Joe Offer Date: 22 Jan 08 - 01:58 PM You're More Than A Number In My Little Red Book (recorded by The Drifters) oooooooooo yeah yeah, You're more than a number in my little red book, you're more than a one night date, All it had to take me was just one look, My heart began a thumpin', Babe you had it jumpin', Cause' you're more than a number in my little red book, You're more than a one night stand, In case you get to thinkin' that you'd been took, You're more than a number, Written in my little red book. Oh baby give us a chance, Don't let the small town rumours end our first real romance, Now I admit I've loved a few, But there was never one like you, So Darlin, dont believe the things that they say. Chorus You're more than a number in my little red book, You're more than a one night date, All it had to take me was just one look, My heart began a thumpin', Babe you had it jumpin, Cause' you're more than a number in my little red book, You're more than a one night stand, In case you get to thinkin' that you'd been took, You're more than a number, Written in my little red book. Oh baby, You gave me a sign, I threw away the numbers of those old flames of mine, And now they're tryin' to put you whilst, Knock me down in my girls eyes, Oh Darlin, Dont believe the words that they say. Chorus You're more than a number in my little red book, You're more than a one night date, All it had to take me was just one look, My heart began a thumpin', Babe you had it jumpin, Cause' you're more than a number in my little red book, You're more than a one night stand, In case you get to thinkin' that you'd been took, You're more than a number, Written in my little red book. Chorus to fade Whoooo ooooo You're more than a number in my little red book, You're more than a one night date, All it had to take me was just one look, My heart began a thumpin', Babe you had it jumpin, Cause' you're more than a number in my little red book, You're more than a one night stand, In case you get to thinkin' that you'd been took, You're more than a number, Written in my little red book. Source: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/t/the_drifters/youre_more_than_a_number_in_my_little_red_book.html I don't think I'd call the Drifters Depression-Era, but I think there was a recession in their time.... |
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Subject: Lyr Add: BEANS, BACON AND GRAVY From: Rapparee Date: 22 Jan 08 - 03:55 PM BEANS, BACON AND GRAVY I was born long ago, In eighteen ninety-four. I've seen many a panic, I will own, I've been hungry, I've been cold, And now I'm growing old. But the worst I've seen is nineteen thirty-one. cho: Oh, those beans, bacon and gravy, They almost drive me crazy, I eat them, I see them in my dreams. When I wake up each morning And another day is dawning, I know I'll have another mess of beans. We congregate each morning At the county barn at dawning, And everyone is happy, so it seems. But when our work is done We file in one by one, And thank the Lord for one more mess of beans. We have Hooverized on butter, For milk we've only water, And I haven't seen a steak in many a day. For cakes and pies and jellies We substitute sow bellies, For which we work the county road each day. If there ever comes a time When I have more than a dime, They will have to put me under lock and key. For I've been broke so long I can only sing this song Of the workers and their misery. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: Art Thieme Date: 22 Jan 08 - 05:38 PM One that I always used in presentations of that era was Woody Guthrie's "East Texas Red." Even though it was later, it sure did fit those hard times where improvised measures were sometimes called for. Art Thieme |
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Subject: Lyr Add: BEANS TASTE FINE (Shel Silverstein) From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego Date: 22 Jan 08 - 05:46 PM A couple of tunes come to mind. "One Meat Ball," is a favorite which Josh White, among others, made famous. The other doesn't truly qualify as a "folk tune," but the wry humor would have certainly fit the times - "Beans, they taste fine" by Shel Silverstein. I heard it as a blues many years ago and thought it sounded just fine. Beans Taste Fine (Shel Silverstein) Now a friend of mine, way back in Chicago You know, he finally made his pile. Well he got himself a mansion on Butler and Sheff An' he was livin' in the latest style; But I run into him, he was eatin' in a greasy spoon While parkled in front was his big limousine. I said, "Buddy, you've got so much money How come youre in here, eatin beans?" An' he said After you've been havin' steak for a long time Beans, beans taste fine. An' after you've been drinkin' champagne and brandy You gonna settle for wine. He said "The world is funny, and people are strange And man is a creature of constant change, and After you've been havin' steak for a long time Beans, beans taste fine." Now, you know I ran into another friend of mine In a rowdy old Clark Street Bar, I said, "Friend, is it true what I heard about you? I heard you married a beautiful 18-year old shapely movie star, Yet here you sit, tryin' to make out with some barfly Who's too old and ugly to be true." He said, "Shelley, you're still a very young man So sit down. I'll explain it all to you. He said, After you've been havin' steak for a long time Beans, beans taste fine. An' after you've been drinkin' champagne and Chivas Regal You gonna settle for Thunderbird wine. He said "The world is funny, and people are strange And man is a creature of constant change, and After you've been havin' steak for a long time Beans, beans taste fine." Copyright BMI |
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Subject: Lyr Add: POOR MAN'S HEAVEN (Billings/Robinson) From: NormanD Date: 23 Jan 08 - 07:20 AM POOR MAN'S HEAVEN As recorded by Bud Billings & Carson Robison (1932) Now friends gather near, I want you to hear A dream that I had last night There's a land o'er the sea for you and for me Where we won't have to struggle and fight. There's real feather beds where we lay our heads And a nice private room for each one There's shoes with soles and pants without holes And no work up there to be done In Poor Man's Heaven, the land of the free There's nothing up there but good luck There's strawberry pie that's twenty feet high And whipped cream they bring in a truck. We'll own all the banks and shoot all the cranks And we won't give a durn who we hurt And the millionaire's son won't have so much fun When we put him to shovelling dirt. We'll know how it feels in automobiles With a footman to open the door And folks that get smart, we'll take them apart And spread them all over the floor. In Poor Man's Heaven, we'll run the whole place And we won't have nothing to fear We'll eat all we please, from ham and egg trees That grow by a lake full of beer. We'll live on champagne and ride on the train And sleep in the Pullman at night And if someone should dare to ask for our fare We'll haul off and put out his light. We'll take an iron rail and open the jail And let all the poor men out quick And the sheriff's own mug we'll throw in the jug And then throw the key in the creek. In Poor Man's Heaven we'll have our own way No salt pork and beans over there But we will be fed our breakfast in bed And served by a fat millionaire We won't need to yearn for money to burn 'Cause we'll own a big money press We'll run her full speed, and make all we need And light our cigars with the rest. The landlords we'll take and tie to a stake And make 'em give back all our dough Then we'll let them sweat, and learn what they get When they go to that hot place below In Poor Man's Heaven we'll own our own home And we won't have to work like a slave Then we will be proud to sing right out loud The land of the free and the brave. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: masato sakurai Date: 23 Jan 08 - 07:53 AM See also 1920s & 1930s: THE DEPRESSION & THE NEW DEAL for songs & lyrics. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: John MacKenzie Date: 23 Jan 08 - 07:59 AM Great source Masato, thanks very much. Giok |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: open mike Date: 23 Jan 08 - 06:18 PM there is a magazine that focusses on music from that era. No Depression Magazine |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: topical tom Date: 24 Jan 08 - 02:44 PM "May I Sleep in Your Barn Tonight, Mister?" |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: Jim Dixon Date: 25 Jan 08 - 10:35 PM LET'S HAVE ANOTHER CUP O' COFFEE (Irving Berlin) Mister Herbert Hoover says that now's the time to buy…. From the early, optimistic days of the Depression, when some people believed that a little extra private spending would stimulate the economy into recovery. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: Amos Date: 25 Jan 08 - 11:55 PM My grandfather's favorite was "Hallelujah, I'm a Bum", which he sang with gusto. "Oh why don't you work, like other men do? How the hell can I work, when there's no work to do?" A |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: Jim Dixon Date: 27 Jan 08 - 11:35 PM These "Various Artists" albums may be of interest: "The Great Depression: American Music in the '30s," Columbia CD CK-57589, 1993. 1 Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? - Rudy Vallee 2 All of Me - Louis Armstrong 3 It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing) - Duke Ellington 4 Hungarian Varsovienne - Henri Ford, Old Fashioned Dance Orchestra 5 Detroit Moan - Victoria Spivey 6 We Sure Got Hard Times - Barbecue Bob 7 Dark Was the Night (Cold Was the Ground) - Blind Willie Johnson 8 I'm Slappin' Seventh Avenue (With the Sole of My Shoe) - Duke Ellington and Orchestra 9 Mean Low Blues - Blues Birdhead 10 Happy Days Are Here Again - Casa Loma Orchestra 11 There's a New Day Comin' - Ted Lewis 12 I Surrender, Dear - Red Norvo & His Orchestra 13 Creole Love Call - Duke Ellington 14 Gloomy Sunday - Billie Holiday 15 Headin' for Better Times - T. Lewis 16 N. R. A. Blues - Bill Cox 17 Are You Making Any Money? - Chick Bullock and His Levee Loungers 18 He's in the Ring (Doing the Same Old Thing) - Memphis Minnie 19 With Plenty of Money and You (Oh! Baby What I Couldn't Do) - Hal Kemp and His Orchestra 20 Dawn of a New Day - Horace Heidt & His Orchestra 21 Whistle While You Work - Artie Shaw & His New Music "Songs of the Depression: Boom, Bust & New Deal," Bear Family CD 16029, 1999: 1 Hittin' the Ceiling - Smith Ballew 2 I'm in the Market for You - Bert Ambrose, Ambrose Orchestra 3 Happy Days Are Here Again - Casa Loma Orchestra 4 Song of the Bayou - Hardy, Marion Alabamians 5 Eddie Cantor's Tips on the Stock Market [Monologue] - Eddie Cantor 6 A Cottage for Sale - Hotel Pennsylvania Music 7 Get Happy - Ted Wallace, Campus Boys 8 Sweeping the Clouds Away [From: Paramount on Parade] - Casa Loma Orchestra 9 Laughing at Life - McKinney's Cotton Pickers 10 It's a Great Life (If You Don't Weaken) [From: Playboy of Paris] - Sam Lanin 11 Cheer Up! Good Times Are Comin' - Hotel Pennsylvania Music 12 Cheer Up! Smile! Nertz! [Ballyhoo] - Eddie Cantor, Phil Spitalny Music 13 Singing a Vagabond Song [From: Putting on the Ritz] - Ted Lewis Orchestra 14 Son of the Sun [From: Luana] - Jack Teagarden, Ben Pollack Orchestra 15 Hallelujah, I'm a Bum [From Hallelujah I'm A Bum] - Al Jolson 16 Big City Blues [From: Fox Movietone Follies of 1929] - Annette Hanshaw 17 There's a Tear for Every Smile in Hollywood [From: Showgirl in ...] - Blue Steele 18 Ten Cents a Dance - Ruth Etting 19 Cigarettes Cigars [From: Ziegfeld Follies of 1931] - Ruth Etting 20 Just a Gigolo [From: Doctor Cheer CBS Radio Transcription] - Johnny Marvin 21 Love for Sale [From: The New Yorkers'] - Libby Holman 22 We Can Live on Love - Smith Ballew 23 There's No Depression in Love - Vincent Rose 24 Now's the Time to Fall in Love [From: Palmy Days'] - Victor Young 25 I'm an Unemployed Sweetheart - Lee Morse 26 I've Got Five Dollars [From: America's Sweetheart'] - Emil Coleman 27 I Found a Million Dollar Baby (In a Five and Ten Cent Store) - Paul Specht 28 Last Dollar - Eddie Droesch 29 Here It Is Monday and I've Still Got a Dollar - Chick Bullock 30 Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams (And Dream Your Troubles Away) - Mildred Bailey 31 Whistling in the Dark - Sam Lanin 32 Dancing in the Dark [From: The Band Wagon] - Ben Selvin Orchestra 33 Alone Together [From: Flying Colors] - Victor Young 34 Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries [Excerpt from: Gems from: White, ...] - Mills Brothers, Boswell Sisters, Bing Crosby 35 (We've Got To) Put That Sun Back in the Sky - Boswell Sisters 36 Shoo the Hoodoo Away - Bert Ambrose, Orchestra Ambrose 37 Whistle and Blow Your Blues Away - Ben Selvin Orchestra 38 Headin' for Better Times - Ted Lewis Orchestra 39 Let's Have Another Cup o’ Coffee [From: Face the Music] - Enric Madriguera 40 Sittin' on a Rubbish Can - Julia Gerity 41 Underneath the Arches - Henry Hall 42 Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? - Bing Crosby 43 Remember My Forgotten Man [From: Gold Diggers of 1933] - Freddy Martin 44 It Must Be Swell to Be Laying Out Dead - Alex Bartha 45 Supper Time [From: As Thousands Cheer] - Leo Reisman 46 Banking on the Weather [From: Crooner] - Russ Carlson 47 A Shanty in Old Shanty Town - Gene Kardos 48 (Here We Are) Rolling in Love [From: The Old Fashioned Way] - Joe Morrison 49 I'd Rather Be a Beggar With You - Gene Bullock 50 Here You Come with Love - Freddy Martin 51 Let's Put Out the Lights (And Go to Sleep) - Bing Crosby 52 The Clouds Will Soon Roll By - Graham Prince 53 Rome Wasn't Built in a Day [From: Roman Scandels] - Abe Lyman 54 If I Ever Get a Job Again - Gene Kardos 55 Them Good Old Times Are Coming Back Again - Ben Selvin Orchestra 56 Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? [From: The Three Little Pigs] - Ben Bernie 57 There's a New Day Comin' - Ted Lewis Orchestra 58 Buy America! - Ted Lewis Orchestra 59 Hey! Young Fella - Ruth Etting 60 The Grass Is Gettin' Greener All the Time - Victor Young 61 (I Went Hunting) And the Big Bad Wolf Was Dead [From: Cockeyed Cavaliers] - Ted Fiorito 62 We're Out of the Red [From: Stand Up and Cheer] - Ramona Davies, Park Avenue Boys 63 We're in the Money (The Gold Diggers Song) [From: Gold Diggers of 1933] - Boswell Sisters 64 The Road Is Open Again [From: The Road Is Open Again] - Dick Powell 65 Let 'Em Eat Cake [From: Let 'Em Eat Cake] - Emil Coleman 66 In a One Room Flat [From: The Way to Love] - Freddy Martin 67 What Have We Got to Lose? (Hi-Ho-Lack-A-Day) - Phil Harris 68 Stringin' Along on a Shoe String - Henry Red Allen, Coleman Hawkins 69 When My Ship Comes In [From: Kid Millions] - Eddie Cantor 70 If I Had a Million Dollars [From: Transatlantic Merry-Go-Round] - Boswell Sisters 71 Our Penthouse on Third Avenue - Gene Kardos 72 Raisin' the Rent [From: The Cotton Club Revue] - Romona Bargy, Roy Bargy 73 Annie Doesn't Live Here Anymore - Chick Bullock 74 The Boulevard of Broken Dreams [From: Moulin Rouge] - Connie Boswell 75 Now I'm a Lady [From: Goin' to Town] - Paul Whiteman Orchestra 76 I Gotta Get Up and Go to Work - Adrian Rollini & the Gang 77 Gotta Go to Work Again [From: My Man Godfrey] - Ted Wallace 78 Are You Making Any Money? - Chick Bullock 79 Got the Jitters - Ozzie Nelson 80 Rain - Don Bestor 81 With Plenty of Money and You [From: Gold Diggers of 1937] - Ink Spots 82 I'm Feelin' Like a Million [From: Broadway Melody of 1938] - Teddy Hill 83 Slumming on Park Avenue [From: On the Avenue] - Red Norvo 84 Whistle While You Work [From: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs] - Artie Shaw 85 W.P.A. - Louis Armstrong, Mills Brothers 86 Hey Pop! I Don't Wanna Go to Work - Kay Kyser 87 Dawn of a New Day - Horace Heidt 88 Happy Days Are Here Again - Ben Selvin Orchestra "Poor Man's Heaven: Blues & Tales of the Great Depression," Bluebird CD 50958, 2003: 1 Eddie Cantor's Tips on the Stock Market - Eddie Cantor 2 A Tale of the Ticker - Frank Crumit 3 Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? - Leo Reisman And His Orchestra 4 Remember My Forgotten Man [From: Gold Diggers of 1933] - George Hall 5 It Must Be Swell to Be Laying Out Dead - Alex Bartha And His Hotel Traymore 6 Raisin' the Rent - Ramona, Roy Bargy 7 Sittin' on a Rubbish Can - Julia Gerity And Her Boys 8 Ten Cents a Dance [Simple Simon] - High Hatters 9 Poor Man's Heaven - Bud Billings, Carson Robison 10 The Rich Man and the Poor Man - Bob Miller 11 Hallelujah, I'm a Bum - Harry "Mac" McClintock 12 All In, Down and Out Blues - Uncle Dave Macon 13 Taxes on the Farmer Feeds Them All - Fiddlin' John Carson 14 How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live? - Blind Alfred Reed 15 The Farmer Relief Song - Vernon Dalhart 16 Dusty Old Dust (So Long It's Been Good to Know Yuh) - Woody Guthrie 17 35 Depression - Daddy Stovepipe, Mississippi Sarah 18 California Desert Blues - Lane Hardin 19 It's Hard Time - Joe Stone 20 President Roosevelt Is Everybody's Friend - J.M. Gates 21 Cwa Blues - Joe Pullum 22 Jimmy Shut His Store Doors - Cedar Creek Sheik 23 Welfare Store Blues - Sonny Boy Williamson 24 Poor But Ambitious - Wilmoth Houdini |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: Uke Date: 28 Jan 08 - 07:50 PM Here is a collection of songs performed in American migrant labor camps in 1940-41: Voices from the Dustbowl On the complete flipside is this excellent compilation of peppy pop songs from the period: Looking on the Bright Side: 25 Cheer-up songs, 1925-41. AVS/Living Era 5255 1. When You're Smiling - Louis Armstrong 2. Happy Days Are Here Again - Bert Ambrose 3. Looking on the Bright Side - Gracie Fields 4. Lucky Day - The Revelers 5. Sunshine - Whispering Jack Smith 6. The Best Things in Life Are Free - Jack Hylton 7. My Blackbirds Are Bluebirds Now - The National Cavaliers 8. Spread a Little Happiness - Binnie Hale 9. Singin' in the Rain - Cliff 'Ukelele Ike' Edwards 10. Painting the Clouds with Sunshine - Johnny Marvin 11. Keep Your Sunny Side Up - Johnny Hamp & His Kentucky Serenaders 12. On the Sunny Side of the Street - Ted Lewis 13. Happy Feet - Paul Whiteman 14. Sunny Days - Layton & Johnstone 15. Smile, Darn Ya, Smile - Billy Colton 16. Today I Feel So Happy - Percival Mackey & His Kit-Cat Band 17. Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries - Jack Hylton 18. The Clouds Will Soon Roll By - Elsie Carlisle 19. Letting In the Sunshine - Sam Browne 20. There's a New Day Comin' - Harry Roy 21. When You've Got a Little Springtime in Your Heart - Al Bowlly 22. Pennies from Heaven - Frances Langford/Louis Armstrong/Bing Crosby 23. Things Are Looking Up - Fred Astaire 24. With a Smile and a Song - Freddie Rich 25. Look for the Silver Lining - Connee Boswell |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: SouthernCelt Date: 29 Jan 08 - 08:06 PM One of my favorites from the depression era, although it's about the Dust Bowl rather than the original depression years, is Do Re Mi. SC |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: Jim Dixon Date: 01 Feb 08 - 07:49 AM These songs can be found in other threads: A Shanty in Old Shanty Town A Tale of the Ticker Annie Doesn't Live Here Anymore Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? Get Happy Hallelujah, I'm a Bum How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live? I Found a Million Dollar Baby (In a Five and Ten Cent Store) It's a Great Life (If You Don't Weaken) Just a Gigolo So Long It's Been Good to Know Yuh Supper Time Ten Cents a Dance The Boulevard of Broken Dreams Underneath the Arches |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: Charley Noble Date: 01 Feb 08 - 09:49 AM And a few others I might list: “The Panic Is On!” in Jerry Silverman's anthology of the same title “Christmas on the East Side” by Aunt Molly Jackson “I'm a Jolly Banker” by Woody Guthrie “I Ain't Got No Home” by Woody Guthrie “There Is Mean Things Happenin'” John Handcox and Sis Cunningham “How Can You Keep On Movin'” by Sis Cunningham “W.P.A. Blues” by Big Bill Casey “The Ballad of the Landlord” by Langston Hughes “The Joint Is Jumpin'” by Fats Waller & Andy Razar “La Marche des Proprietaires (The March of the Landlords)” Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: GUEST,OLD - TIMER Date: 01 Feb 08 - 03:44 PM NO DEPRESSION by The Carter Family would fit in here.--Mike Seeger did a nice version of this song too. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: GUEST,sophie Date: 27 Sep 08 - 03:19 PM does anyone have the lyrics to the film version of "Dusty Shoes" from the 1933 film "Moonlight and Pretzels". Also, any good stock market crash songs? Thanks! |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: GUEST,GI Joe Date: 27 Sep 08 - 06:09 PM New Lost City Ramblers CD “There Ain’t No Way Out” also The New Lost City Ramblers “The Early Years 1958-1962” “How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live?” “Sales Tax on the Women” “We’ve Got Franklin D. Roosevelt Back Again” “No Depression (in Heaven)” “Talking Hard Luck” |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: topical tom Date: 28 Sep 08 - 01:57 PM This could be an unofficial anthem of the Depression era: Hobo's Lullaby |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: topical tom Date: 28 Sep 08 - 02:10 PM A very good version of "Hobo's Lullaby". |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 28 Sep 08 - 03:24 PM Let's hope that this oncoming Depression at least brings us some good songs... |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: Fred Maslan Date: 28 Sep 08 - 04:24 PM "Ten Cents a Dance" |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: GUEST,ACFab Date: 05 Mar 10 - 02:59 PM There's a line in the middle of a song from the musical All Night Strut (which is all from the same era)... it's like "you're a lucky man" or "you're in luck"... i don't know... anyone got any ideas? I know it's like really vague, but ya know... |
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Subject: Lyr Add; CIGARETTES, CIGARS (Mack/Revel) From: Q (Frank Staplin) Date: 09 Jul 13 - 12:39 PM Lyr. Add: CIGARETTES, CIGARS Gordon Mack, Harry Revel, 1933 (spoken) Cigarettes, cigars! Cigarettes, cigars! Hi, cutie! Over here! Whatta you want? Let's see what you got here. Oh, slip us twenty Camels. Okay You're a swell lookin' dame. What are you doin' in a joint like this? Huh! That's what I'd like to know. (Singing) I was one of those hicks That came here from the sticks Trying to find the kind of fame The name of Broadway stands for I was one of those fools Who dreamed of riches and jewels Now I awake Find my mistake I'd get a break Broadway's a fake! I work in a speak that's dim and dingy Where standers are pretenders, cheap and stingy All I smell is rotten scotch and ginger Cigarettes, cigars! Now I've learned what smoking coke and snow means Among the guys who've never learned what "no" means You ask me do I know what making dough means Cigarettes, cigars! To Heaven I Just send up My lonely plea Is this where I end up? Oh, good Lord, answer me! Every evening as the night life dies out I walk home to sleep and weep my eyes out Can't you hear a broken heart that cries out Cigarettes, cigars! Cigarettes, cigars! (spoken) Say, have you ever seen Broadway when its glamor is gone? When the night clubs are closing and the whole world is dozing and sleeping until the dawn? Why, all its glory and splendor and marvelous sights, they all fade out together as they turn down the lights, with street beggars mumbling, milk wagons rumbling, dream castles tumbling in the air. Oh, it's lonesome and weary, friendless and dreary, a pitiful sight of despair! (singing) Every evening as the night life dies out I walk home to sleep and weep my eyes out Can't you hear a broken heart that cries out Cigarettes, cigars! Cigarettes, cigars! The classic as sung by Florence Desmond. Words from www.lyricsmania.com |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: Q (Frank Staplin) Date: 09 Jul 13 - 12:58 PM "Brother, can you spare a dime, " verse added by E. Y. (Yip) Harburg, some years later: Once we had a Roosevelt, Praise the Lord! Life had meaning and hope Now we're stuck with Nixon, Agnew, Ford Brother, can you spare a rope? From Wiki article on the song. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: Q (Frank Staplin) Date: 13 Jul 13 - 03:55 PM CIGARETTES, CIGARS Both Florence Desmond and Ruth Etting versions on youtube. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: IN THE FALL OF '29 (W. Lee O'Daniel) From: Jim Dixon Date: 03 Oct 13 - 08:14 PM I heard this on the radio today and had to look it up on Spotify. You can hear it on YouTube. IN THE FALL OF '29 As sung by W Lee O'Daniel & His Light Crust Doughboys, 1933. 1. "Why, hello there, mister iceman. Where have I seen your face?" "Please don't try to tease me, mister, just because I lost the race. I was once a great big banker worth a million for a time, But I lost the whole kaboodle in the fall of twenty-nine." CHORUS: In the fall of twenty-nine, in the fall of twenty-nine, That's when we started sliding: in the fall of twenty-nine. 'Twas the fall of fifty-fifty: you lost yours and I lost mine, But it made us all more human since the fall of twenty-nine. 2. "Hey there, mister taxi driver. Where have I seen you before?" "Listen, buddy; I'm the fella who had stocks and bonds galore. My office was on Wall Street; ev'rything was going fine, But my stocks and bonds all vanished in the fall of twenty-nine." CHORUS 3. "Hey there, mister apple vendor, with that old familiar toot." "Gee whiz, you do remember I'm the guy who played the flute. I was making lots of money; the way I spent it was a crime, But my income stopped completely in the fall of twenty-nine." CHORUS 4. Who's that ringing our front doorbell? She has magazines to sell. Well, wouldn't that surprise you! If it isn't missus swell. She used to lead the whole Four Hundred, had twelve servants all the time, But it seems she got a setback in the fall of twenty-nine. CHORUS 5. There were folks in high-up places before the fall of twenty-nine, But now you find their faces in that good old free-bread line. We thought we were intelligent before that fateful fall, But now we've come to realize we didn't know it all. CHORUS [Interesting that the songwriter calls it a "fall of 50/50" implying, I suppose, that it affected rich people and poor people equally. How different that is from our recent recession! Have you heard of any bankers who became delivery people, or stock brokers who became taxi drivers?] |
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Subject: Lyr Add; (EVERYTHING'S GONNA BE) O.K. AMERICA From: Jim Dixon Date: 03 Oct 13 - 11:23 PM The last song was found on the various-artists album "The Panic Is On: The Great American Depression as Seen by the Common Man" (2009) The same album also contained this one (and I will probably be posting more): (EVERYTHING'S GONNA BE) O.K. AMERICA As recorded by Art Kassel & His Kassels in the Air (1932) Ev'rything is gonna be OK, America; OK, America, now. Wrap up your troubles And throw them away. They're only bubbles, And you'll find that out someday. Beyond the blue horizon, A rainbow's peepin' through, So just keep your eyes on That good old red white and blue. Say, ev'rything is gonna be OK, America; OK, America, now. [Spoken:] Come on, let's all sing it! Ev'rything is gonna be OK, America; OK, America now. Wrap up your troubles And throw them away. They're only bubbles, You'll find out someday. Beyond the blue horizon, A rainbow's peepin' through, So just to keep your eyes on That patch of sky that's blue. So everything is gonna be OK, America; OK, America, now |
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Subject: Lyr Add: IF I EVER GET A JOB AGAIN (Lewis/Baer) From: Jim Dixon Date: 04 Oct 13 - 03:27 PM IF I EVER GET A JOB AGAIN Words by Samuel Lewis, music by Abel Baer. As recorded by Dick Robertson and His Band, 1933. If I ever get a job again, I will never be a snob again. I'll live within my means, Carry a dollar in my jeans, If I ever get a job again. If I ever get a break again, Brother, what I'll do to steak again! No turning out the light, Bidding my appetite goodnight, If I ever get a break again. I'll get two rooms and a kitchenette, Furnished comfortably. With two rooms and a kitchenette, I'll get a sweet somebody to move in with me. If I ever get a job again, I know that two hearts will throb again. She told me with her eyes We'll be rehearsing lullabies If I ever get a job again. If I ever get a job again, I will never be a snob again. I'm through with stocks and bonds. I'd rather spend it all on blondes, If I ever get a job again. If I ever get my pay again, I'll save it for a rainy day again, But let me tell you, Bud, I'm gonna save up for a flood If I ever get my pay again. I'll get two suits and an overcoat, Like a millionaire— Just two suits and an overcoat, And then when things get better, I'll buy underwear! If I ever get a job again, With my old friends I'll hobnob again. What fun it will be Saying, "Just have one more on me," If I ever get a job again. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: MY OLD MAN (Ewan MacColl) From: tritoneman Date: 04 Oct 13 - 09:02 PM When I think of Great Depression songs I always think of Woody Guthrie's superb songs. Although it wasn't actually written in the 1930's, Ewan MacColl's 'My Old Man' is a super, evocative yet hard hitting and moving song about his father's life as an iron moulder in Manchester during the depression. Graham My old man was a good old man Skilled in the moulding trade In the stinking heat of the iron foundry My old man was made Down on his knees in the moulding sand He wore his trade like a company brand He was one of the cyclops' smoky band Yes, that was my old man My old man wasn't really old It's just that I was young And anybody over twelve years old Was halfway to the tomb He was loyal to his workmates all his life Gave his pay packet to his wife Had a few jars on a Saturday night Yes, that was my old man My old man was a union man Fought hard all his days He understood the system And was wise to the boss' ways He says, if you want what's yours by right You have to struggle with all your might They'll rob you blind if you don't fight So that was my old man My old man was a proud old man At home on the foundry floor Until the day they paid him off And showed him to the door They gave him his card, said, things are slack We've got a machine can learn the knack Of doing your job, so don't come back The end of my old man My old man he was fifty-one What was he to do? A craftsman moulder on the dole In nineteen thirty-two He felt he'd given all he could give So he did what thousands of others did Abandoned hope and the will to live They killed him, my old man My old man he is dead and gone Now I am your old man And my advice to you, my son Is to fight back while you can Watch out for the man with the silicon chip Hold on to your job with a good firm grip 'Cause if you don't you'll have had your chips The same as my old man |
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Subject: Lyr Add: THE CLOUDS WILL SOON ROLL BY From: Jim Dixon Date: 06 Oct 13 - 11:29 PM THE CLOUDS WILL SOON ROLL BY Words, George Brown. Music, Harry Woods & George Brown, ©1932. Somewhere the sun is shining, So, honey, don't you cry. We'll find a silver lining. The clouds will soon roll by. We'll hear a robin singing Upon a treetop high. To you and me he's singing. The clouds will soon roll by. Each little tear and sorrow Only brings you closer to me. Just wait until tomorrow. What a happy day that will be! Down lovers' lane together, We'll wander, you and I. Goodbye to stormy weather, The clouds will soon roll by. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: HEADIN' FOR BETTER TIMES (Tobias/Mencher) From: Jim Dixon Date: 08 Oct 13 - 01:51 PM HEADIN' FOR BETTER TIMES Written by Charles Tobias & Murray Mencher, &1930. As recorded by Ted Lewis and His Band [§1] Put a coat of joy right on. In a minute we'll be gone On a choo-choo-choo-choo headin' for better times. Mister Gloom won't be allowed In an optimistic crowd On a choo-choo-choo-choo headin' for better times. Don't take a trunk of junk filled with yesterdays. Tomorrow we're gonna see sunshine. As we go from state to state, We'll be shouting: "Things are great!" On a choo-choo-choo-choo headin' for better times. [§2] First stop on the way: Town called Happy Days. Next stop, yessiree: What you call Prosperity. What's this town we're in? That's called Work Begins. Last stop, can't you guess? Nothin' else but Happiness. REPEAT §1. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: BAD TIME BLUES (Barbecue Bob) From: Jim Dixon Date: 08 Oct 13 - 02:56 PM BAD TIME BLUES As recorded by Barbecue Bob (Robert Hicks), ©1928. Bad times upon me; tell 'em what a panic is on. (2x) I feel so disgusted; all the good times done gone. Ev'rybody is crying; they can't get a break. (2x) Tell me what's the matter; ev'rything seems too late. When you hear me howlin', then you know something going on wrong. When you hear me howlin', then you know something's wrong. Bad times is got me, why I sing this song. I can't make a nickel; I'm flat as I can be. (2x) Some people say money is talkin' but it won't say a word to me. I ain't had a paycheck since the devil was a boy. (2x) If I'd get a real job, I'd pass out with joy. Bad times upon me; I can't get a gal. (2x) You know a gal costs money when she'll be a pal. Bad times upon me; baby, need some shoes. (2x) Bad luck hangin' around, keep me singin' bad times blues. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: WELFARE STORE BLUES (Sonny Boy Williamson From: Jim Dixon Date: 09 Oct 13 - 10:51 PM WELFARE STORE BLUES As recorded by Sonny Boy Williamson, 1940. 1. Now me and my baby, we talked last night, and we talked for nearly an hour. She wanted me to go down to the welfare store, and get a sack of that welfare flour, But I told her: "No, babe, and I sure don't want to go." I say: "I'll do anything in the world for you, I don't want to go down to that welfare store." 2. "Now you need to go get you some real white man, you know, to sign your little note. They give you a pair o' them cane-toad shoes, and one o' those old pinch-back soldier coats," But I told 'em: "No, babe, and I sure don't want to go." I say: "I'll do anything in the world for you, I don't want to go down to that welfare store." 3. President Roosevelt said of them welfare people: "They gon' treat ev'rybody right." Say: "They give you a can o' them beans, and a can or two of them old tripe," But I told 'em: "No, babe, and I sure don't want to go." I say: "I'll do anything in the world for you, I don't want to go down to that welfare store." 4. Well now, me and my baby, we talked yesterday, and we talked in my back yard. She say: "I'll take care o' you, Sonny Boy, just as long as these times stay hard," And I told her: "Yeah, babe, and I sure won't have to go," I say: "and if you do that for me, I won't have to go down to that welfare store." |
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Subject: Lyr Add: I CAN'T GO TO THE POOR HOUSE From: Jim Dixon Date: 09 Oct 13 - 11:45 PM I CAN'T GO TO THE POOR HOUSE As recorded by Dick Robertson, 1932. I haven't got a single cent and I am all alone. This world is treating me so cold and I'm without a home. To ev'rybody that I meet I tell them my sad case. They say to me: "Why don't you go to the poorhouse? That's your place." But I can't go to the poorhouse; that ain't no place for me. I can't go to the poorhouse although the lodging's free. It ain't that I've got too much pride; I'm humble as a pup, But I can't go to the poorhouse 'cause the beds are all filled up. I can't go to the poorhouse way over on the hill. I can't go to the poorhouse that used to be a mill. I asked them why I can't get in; they told me, I declare: Oh, I can't go to the poorhouse; all the millionaires are there. I can't go to the poorhouse although I know I should. I can't go to the poorhouse although I wish I could. I'd go there in my limousine; I've got one, too, that's class, But I can't go to the poorhouse because I can't buy gas. I can't go to the poorhouse; there ain't no use to try. I can't go to the poorhouse; I've got six reasons why: There's Freddy, Mary, Jim, and Joe; there's Baby and the wife. Say, I can't go to the poorhouse; I brought it on myself. [I don't get why the last 2 lines don't rhyme. Is there a subtle joke here I'm not getting?] |
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Subject: Lyr Add: WHEN MY STOCKS COME TUMBLING DOWN From: Jim Dixon Date: 10 Oct 13 - 12:02 PM WHEN MY STOCKS COME TUMBLING DOWN As recorded by Fields and Hall (Arthur Fields and Fred Hall), 1929. I'm the chump you've heard about. There's more like me without a doubt. When stock reports are given out, Oh, what a sucker! My stocks come tumbling down. My stocks come tumbling down. I buy on margin, don't you see, On a great big scale, but holy gee! And then I lose my dough-re-mi. My stocks come tumbling down. I bought Tin Can at a dollar and a half And Squeaky-Squawky Phonograph At a price that would make a donkey laugh, So I stood to make a million. My stocks come tumbling down. My stocks come tumbling down. When I listened to the ticker tick, I figured I could get rich quick, But a bunch of bears were too darn slick. My stocks come tumbling down. My bootblack boy bought Gump preferred. He told me not to say a word. The price of Gump was so absurd, So I bought a thousand shares. My stocks come tumbling down. My stocks come tumbling down. I met my broker on the floor. He said: "Go on and buy some more" But I'm broker than I was before. My stocks come tumbling down. [Some patter omitted] My laundry man bought Subway Jam And a hundred shares of Chowder Clam. His stock went up on Amsterdam, So he bought himself some shoestrings. His stock came tumbling down. His stock came tumbling down. He jumped right in the deep blue sea. I was scared as I could be. I looked to see if that guy was me. His stocks came tumbling down. The iceman gave me a tip on coal. He told me not to tell a soul. He said that coal was down the hole. I thought that was a hot one. That stock came tumbling down. That stock came tumbling down. There's one thing that I won't forget: That stock was watered, you can bet, And now I know that stock's all wet. My stock's come tumbling down. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: STARVATION BLUES (Charlie Jordan) From: Jim Dixon Date: 10 Oct 13 - 06:58 PM STARVATION BLUES As recorded by Charlie Jordan, 1931. 1. Lord, Lord, starvation is at my do'. (2x) But it ain't no need of running, because I ain't got no place to go. 2. The grasses are dying; the rivers are dropping low. (2x) Do you know what is the matter? Starvation is at my do'. 3. Well I used to eat cake, baby, but now I have to eat hard cornbread (2x) And I would rather be sleeping somewhere in a graveyard dead. 4. Got more women started begging that never had to beg before. (2x) These starvation times have drove them from their door. 5. Now I almost had a square meal the other day, (2x) But the garbage man come and he moved the can away. 6. Now I remember one time when I had a plenty to eat, (2x) But now the time has come, my kids find no place to sleep. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: CHEER UP! SMILE! NERTZ! (Eddie Cantor) From: Jim Dixon Date: 10 Oct 13 - 09:01 PM CHEER UP! SMILE! NERTZ!* Words, Norman Anthony. Music, Misha Portnoff and Wesley Portnoff, ©1931. As recorded by Eddie Cantor 1. Sure business is punk, And Wall Street is sunk. We're all of us broke, And ready to croak. We've nothing to dunk, Can't even get drunk, And all the while they tell us to smile. CHORUS: Cheer up, gentle citizens, Though you have no shirts. Happy days are here again. Cheer up! Smile! Nertz! All aboard, prosperity! Giggle till it hurts. No more bread-line charity! Cheer up! Smile! Nertz! Cheer up! Cheer up! Cheer up! Cheer up! Cheer! Up-cheer! Up-cheer! Up-cheer! Better times are here. Sunny smilers we must be, The optimist asserts. Let's hang the fathead to a tree. Cheer up! Smile! Nertz! 2. The world's in the red. We're better off dead. Depression, they say, 'S in session to stay. Our judges are queer. Our banks disappear, And all the while they tell us to smile. CHORUS * Title as given in the album "The Panic is On: The Great American Depression as Seen by the Common Man." ASCAP uses the spelling "nerts." The 78-rpm Discography Project lists a record called "Ballyhoo Theme Song Cheer up." The British Library has sheet music cataloged as "Cheer up, Smile : Nerts". I believe these are all the same song. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: THEM GOOD OLD TIMES ARE COMING BACK... From: Jim Dixon Date: 10 Oct 13 - 09:50 PM [THEM] GOOD OLD TIMES (ARE COMIN' BACK AGAIN) Written by Bob Miller As recorded by Dick Robertson, 1932? Oh, them good old times are comin' back again. Oh, them good old times are comin' back again, And the good old sun will shine, And we won't have no bread line. Oh, them good old days are comin' back again. Oh, them good old days are comin' back again. Oh, them good old days are comin' back again. We won't have to break our backs Totin' a big load on our backs. Good old times are comin' back again. Oh, them good old times are comin' back again. Oh, them good old times are comin' back again. 'Stead of filling up our jail, We'll fill up our dinner pail. Oh, them good old times are comin' back again. Old depression he will go To that place where there's no snow. Oh, them good old times are comin' back again. Oh, them good old times are comin' back again. We'll throw out our worn-out shoes, Drive away the hungry blues. Oh, them good old times are comin' back again. Oh, them good old times are comin' back again. Yes, them good old times are comin' back again, And that long-eared mule will say To the elephant that day That the good old times are comin' back again. Oh, them good old times are comin' back again. Yes, them good old times are comin' back again. We'll ride handsome wide and far In our little touring car. Oh, them good old times are comin' back again. We'll have money in our jeans. We'll eat more than turnip greens. Oh, the good old times are comin' back again. Yes, them good old times are comin' back again. We've had misery in full, Lived on promises and bull. Oh, them good old times are comin' back again. Yes, the good old times are comin' back again. Yes, them good old times are comin' back again. When we get a full belly, We won't raise no more hell-y. Oh, them good old times are comin' back again. Yes, them good old times are comin' back again. Oh, them good old times are comin' back again. We'll sit in our easy chairs, Not a worry nor a care. Oh, them good old times are comin' back again. We can rest our weary heads As we sleep in feather beds. Oh, them good old times are comin' back again. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: DETROIT MOAN (Victoria Spivey) From: Jim Dixon Date: 13 Oct 13 - 03:53 PM DETROIT MOAN As recorded by Victoria Spivey, 1936. Detroit's a cold, cold place, and I ain't got a dime to my name. (2x) I would go to the poorhouse, but Lord, you know I'm ashamed. I been walkin' Hastings Street; nobody seem to treat me right. (2x) I can make it in the daytime, but Lord, these cold, cold nights! Well, I'm tired of eatin' chili, and I can't eat beans no more. (2x) People hurts my feelin's, Lord, from door to door. I've got to leave Detroit if I have to flag Number Ninety-Four. (2x) And if I ever get back home, I ain't never comin' back to Detroit no more. |
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Subject: Lyr Add; WE SURE GOT HARD TIMES (Barbecue Bob) From: Jim Dixon Date: 13 Oct 13 - 05:03 PM WE SURE GOT HARD TIMES As recorded by Barbecue Bob, 1930. [I've] got a song to sing you, and it's no excuse. (2x) And it's sure as the devil, I b'lieve he got aloose. [When] you want a drink o' liquor [and] you think it's awful nice, (2x) You put your hand in your pocket, and you ain't got the price. You heard about a job; now you is on your way. (2x) Twenty men's after the same job, all in the same old day. Hard times, hard times, we [sure] got hard times now. (2x) Just think and think about it: we got hard times now. You started in [to] moochin', but your moochin's in vain. (2x) Be careful with yourself; you'll get a ball and chain. [That] lard and bacon goin' to a dollar a pound. (2x) Cotton has started to sellin' but it keeps goin' down and down. Just before election, you was talkin' how you was going to vote. (2x) And after election was over, your head's down like a billy goat. Hard times, hard times, we've [sure] got hard times now. (2x) Just think and think about it: we got hard times now. [Words in brackets are omitted in one of the repeats.] |
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Subject: Lyr Add; N. R. A. BLUES (Bill Cox) From: Jim Dixon Date: 13 Oct 13 - 07:04 PM N. R. A. BLUES As recorded by Bill Cox, 1933. I work down in the old sweat shop, Sweet thing, sweet thing. I work down in the old sweat shop. I work like a mule and never stop, Sweet thing, yes, baby mine. When you gonna join the N. R. A., Sweet thing, sweet thing? When you gonna join the N. R. A.? I never have heard the big boss say, Sweet thing, yes, baby mine. I've got the blues; I've got them N. R. A. blues. Lord, I got them N. R. A. blues. When payday comes and I get my check, Sweet thing, sweet thing, Payday comes and I get my check, All I get's just a little wee speck, Sweet thing, yes, baby mine. When you're workin for the N. R. A., Sweet thing, sweet thing, When you're workin for the N. R. A., You'll get short hours and get same pay, Sweet thing, yes, baby mine. I've got the blues; I've got them N. R. A. blues. Lord, I got them N. R. A. blues. The rich men's all on easy street, Sweet thing, sweet thing. The rich men's all on easy street, And the poor men can't get enough to eat, Sweet thing, yes, baby mine. When they all join the N. R. A., Sweet thing, sweet thing, When they all join the N. R. A., We'll all feel happy and all feel gay, Sweet thing, yes, baby mine. I've got the blues; I've got them N. R. A. blues. Lord, I got them N. R. A. blues. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: I'M IN THE MARKET FOR YOU (from Armstrong From: Jim Dixon Date: 13 Oct 13 - 08:28 PM I'M IN THE MARKET FOR YOU Words, Joseph McCarthy; music, James F. Hanley, ©1930. As sung by Louis Armstrong & His Sebastian New Cotton Club Orchestra I've had to see my broker, find out what he can do, 'Cause I'm in the market for you. There won't be any joker; with margin I'm all through, 'Cause I want you outright, it's true. You're going up, up, up in my estimation. I want a thousand shares of your caresses too. We'll count the hugs and kisses when dividends are due, 'Cause I'm in the market for you. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN (Yellen/Ager) From: Jim Dixon Date: 13 Oct 13 - 09:38 PM HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN Words, Jack Yellen. Music, Milton Ager. ©1929. As sung by Johnny Marvin & Leonard Joy Orchestra VERSE:So long, sad times; go 'long, bad times. We are rid of you at last. Howdy, gay times; cloudy gray times, You are now a thing of the past. CHORUS: 'Cause happy days are here again. The skies above are clear again. Let us sing a song of cheer again. Happy days are here again. All together, shout it now. There's no one who can doubt it now, So let's tell the world about it now. Happy days are here again. Your cares and troubles are gone. There'll be no more from now on. Happy days are here again. The skies above are clear again. Let us sing a song of cheer again. Happy days are here again. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: A COTTAGE FOR SALE (Conley/Robison) From: Jim Dixon Date: 13 Oct 13 - 10:22 PM This song is ambiguous: is it about a divorce, a death, or a foreclosure? I wonder how people interpreted it in 1929? A COTTAGE FOR SALE Words, Larry Conley. Music, Willard Robison. ©1929. As recorded by Ian Whitcomb on "Sentimentally Yours" (2005)* Love in a bungalow high on a hill— That was the way we had planned it. Now it's a bungalow empty and still, Needing your love to command it. Our little dream cottage with ev'ry dream gone Is lonely and silent; the shades are all drawn; But my heart is heavy as I gaze upon A cottage for sale. The lawn we were proud of is waving in hay. Our beautiful garden has withered away. Where you planted roses, the weeds seem to say: "A cottage for sale." From every single window I see your face, But when I reach that window, there's empty space. The key's in the mailbox the same as before, But no one is waiting for me any more. The end of our story is told on the door: A cottage for sale. [* I know this isn't one of the early recordings but I like Whitcomb because he does tend to stick to the original lyrics without embellishment, and he sings the verses. Most recorded versions that I listened to started with "Our little dream cottage."] |
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Subject: Lyr Add: SWEEPING THE CLOUDS AWAY (Sam Coslow) From: Jim Dixon Date: 13 Oct 13 - 10:48 PM SWEEPING THE CLOUDS AWAY Written by Sam Coslow As recorded by Maurice Chevalier, 1930. [from the film "Paramount on Parade"] VERSE: Don't go round moping, hoping happiness will come. That's not the way. It doesn't pay. If you want happiness, just help yourself to some. Why don't you try to Take life the way I do? CHORUS: Let the whole world sigh or cry. I'll be high in the sky, Up on top of a rainbow, Sweeping the clouds away. I don't care what's down below. Let it rain; let it snow. I'll be up on a rainbow, Sweeping the clouds away. I have learned life's lesson: fighters who always win Are those who can take it right on the chin—and grin. And so I shout to ev'ryone: Find your place in the sun, Up on top of a rainbow, Sweeping the clouds away. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LAUGHING AT LIFE (Kenny/Todd) From: Jim Dixon Date: 15 Oct 13 - 01:32 PM LAUGHING AT LIFE Words by Nick and Charles Kenny; music by "Cornell" and Bob Todd. ©1930. As recorded by Ruth Etting, 1930-09-29. VERSE: Smile a while. Laugh in such a happy style That the world will stop and smile With you. Why not grin, Even when the others win? Smile and take it on the chin When blue. CHORUS: Don't mind the raindrops. Wait till the rain stops. You'll find the sun laughing at life. No road is lonely If you will only Smile through your tears, laughing at life. Live for tomorrow; be happy today. Laugh all your sorrow away. Start now and cheer up. The skies will clear up. Lose all your blues, laughing at life. [Also recorded by: Belle Baker, 1930-10-01; Delivery Boys, 1930-10-01; Ted Lewis and his Orch, 1930-10-03; Roy Smeck's Novelty Orchestra, 1930-10-23; Roy Smeck's Trio, 1930-10-23; McKinney's Cotton Pickers, 1930-11-04; Chick Bullock, 1930-12-09; Kansas City Five, 1938-03-18; Lewis Bronzeville Five, 1940-04-11; Billie Holiday, 1940-06-07; George Barnes Sextet, 1946-09-20.] |
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Subject: Lyr Add: IT'S A GREAT LIFE (IF YOU DON'T WEAKEN) From: Jim Dixon Date: 15 Oct 13 - 02:55 PM IT'S A GREAT LIFE (IF YOU DON'T WEAKEN) Words by Leo Robin, music by Richard A Whiting & Newell Chase. ©1930. Originally sung by Maurice Chevalier in "Playboy of Paris" (1930) Chorus as recorded by Jack Hylton & His Orchestra; verse as recorded by The Beau Hunks. VERSE: What's the use? A man's a goose To work himself into a lather. Why hit the roof and fret about Something he should forget about? What's the use to raise the deuce Whenever clouds begin to gather? Kings as well as clowns All have their ups and downs. CHORUS: It's a great life if you don't weaken. You're a great guy if you won't weaken. If you don't lose heart, the hardest part Is the first hundred years. It's a great life if you stick to it, Yes, a great world with a kick to it. If you come up strong, it won't be long Till the sunshine appears. If you let him biff you, Mister Gloom will knock you cold. Get him; never let him Use the well-known stranglehold. It's a great life if you don't weaken. You're a great guy if you won't weaken. If you do, ah, well, what the hell! It's still a great life. [Also recorded by: Cotton and Morpheus, 1930-08-01; Maurice Chevalier, 1930-08-15; George Olsen and his Music, 1930-09-16; John Vincent's Californians, 1930-09-30; Lou Gold and his Orchestra, 1930-09-30; Six Jumping Jacks, 1930-10-01.] [Note: A different song with the same title was written by Arthur Spaulding (words) and by Joseph M. Daly (music) ©1917. Faron Young recorded yet another song with the same title in 1955.] |
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Subject: Lyr Add: CHEER UP, GOOD TIMES ARE COMIN' From: Jim Dixon Date: 16 Oct 13 - 03:04 PM I listened to several recordings to make this transcription. The only one I found that included the verse was by Belle Baker. CHEER UP, GOOD TIMES ARE COMIN' Words, Raymond Klages. Music, Jesse Greer. New York: Robbins Music Corporation. ©1930 VERSE: Trouble's over; Found a four-leaf clover And a horseshoe right outside my door. Old man gloom has Given up his room as Maybe luck has caught me once more. My face can't grow long; Gave blues the so-long. Great days are now in store. CHORUS: Heigh-ho! Yea-bo! Good times are comin'. Good times are comin', so cheer up. Let's be carefree and start a-hummin', Then all your troubles will clear up. {Make life a song and a dance. Give care a swift kick in the pants.}** Just yell, then tell the world you're happy. Good times are comin', so cheer up. [* This line is doubtful. ** Alternative lines: "Soon brighter days will be found. Give all your cares the runaround." ] |
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Subject: Lyr Add: BIG CITY BLUES (Conrad/Mitchell/Gottler) From: Jim Dixon Date: 16 Oct 13 - 10:57 PM BIG CITY BLUES Words and music by Con Conrad, Sidney D. Mitchell, and Archie Gottler, ©1929. As sung by Annette Hanshaw Just think, tonight is Thanksgiving. Ev'ryone's going somewhere. Nobody knows that I'm living. They pass me by. I wonder why. I'm all alone. Ev'ry night, how I moan, And how I fight those big city blues! I walk for miles, Place to place; no one smiles To help me chase those big city blues. I'm like a little tot who needs a lot Of tenderness and care. All I've got is just a lot Of sorrow and despair. Won't someone please talk to me. Don't refuse; hear my plea, And help me lose those big city blues. Each evening at six p.m., Lights light and I look at them. I'm hoping that some nice person will meet me, greet me. Before I know it, it's twelve o'clock. I feel like jumpin' right off the dock Because I haven't found a person to cheer me, beer(?) me. No one ever comes near me. I'm all alone. Ev'ry night, how I moan, And how I fight those big city blues! I just walk for miles, Place to place; no one smiles To help me chase those big city blues. Won't you please talk to me? Don't refuse; hear my plea And help me lose those mean old big city blues. [There are several other songs with the same title.] |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: Jim Carroll Date: 17 Oct 13 - 02:49 AM Don't know if anybody followed the extremely moving BBC television series 'The Jews' recently. Just caught up with the couple of episodes I missed last night, which included the Jewish input into US entertainment, including the effect Yip Harburg's 'Buddy' had on American history. About twenty odd years ago there was an amazing documentary on British television (Channel 4) entitled 'Brother Can You Spare a Dime' I think it was there I first heard 'Let's Put Out the Light and Go To Sleep' described as 'The Suicide Song' - it affected my listening to it ever since. Jim Carroll |
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Subject: Lyr Add: WE CAN LIVE ON LOVE (from Glenn Miller) From: Jim Dixon Date: 17 Oct 13 - 06:37 PM WE CAN LIVE ON LOVE As recorded by Glenn Miller & His Orchestra, with vocalist Marion Hutton, 1939-05-25. We haven't got a pot to cook in,* No looking glass to look in, But at dreams that sweet we'd seldom eat. We can live on love. We haven't got a bed to sleep in, To count our little sheep in, But our hopes are great and we can wait While we live on love. Though you may feel We ought to deal With such realities: No house, no lot, No car, so what? They're trivialities. We haven't got a check to cash in, No pot to put our hash in, But we've got that thing that comes in spring: We can live on love. [* There is a slight pause before "cook."] |
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Subject: Lyr Add: WE CAN LIVE ON LOVE (from Benny Goodman) From: Jim Dixon Date: 17 Oct 13 - 06:59 PM A different song with the same title as the previous one: WE CAN LIVE ON LOVE Written by Jack Golden, Smith Ballew, & Eddie Polla. As recorded by Benny Goodman & His Orchestra with vocalist Paul Small, 1931-02-05. I'm completely busted. My bank account has rusted, But why become disgusted When we can live on love? Kisses are in season, And in between the squeezin', You'll find them mighty pleasin', When we can live on love. We'll be so rich in Our parlor and kitchen. While laces you're stitchin', With the housework I will pitch in. Later on we'll feature A bouncing little creature. Let's run and tell the preacher That we can live on love. [The catalog entry at Indiana University indicates there is a missing verse that begins "They say the best things in life are free, that's just how...." |
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Subject: Lyr Add: BANK FAILURES From: Jim Dixon Date: 18 Oct 16 - 12:26 PM BANK FAILURES As recorded by Bob Miller on the various-artists album "Power to the People" (2009). 1. We pay taxes for good roads, pay taxes on our schools: Taxes for this, taxes for that, then workin' harder than mules. By skippin' we saved a few dollars, put 'em in a big bank vault, Somethin' is wrong 'cause that money is gone and it certainly isn't our fault. CHORUS: If you play in water, you're bound to get wet. What's the use o' workin' if we stay in debt? We gotta break our backs and continue payin' tax. Good people, we're a bloat upset.[1] 2. Just why our money went bye-bye, nobody seems to explain. Times are hard; ain't it a shame? We gotta pay those taxes again. Our clothes are slouchy and ragged; our hearts are burdened with care. The failure of the national banks is nearly more than we can bear. CHORUS 3. If banks ain't safe for us people, why then allow 'em to run? Big iron vaults can't open themselves[2]; folks, somethin's gotta be done. Our hard-earned money's gone bye-bye, gone in that big bank crash. We're in a mess, folks, a terrible mess; can't get credit, and[3] we ain't got cash. CHORUS * Rob Heron and the Tea Pad Orchestra also sang the above song on "Money Isn't Everything" (2012), with some variations noted below: 1. "bloat upset" - this is from quotations I found online. It sounded to me like "blowed-up set" when Miller sang it, and like "load upset" when Heron sang it. None of these expressions is familiar to me. 2. "Big iron vaults can't open themselves" - Heron sings: "Big iron balls could break down those walls". 3. "can't get credit, and" - Heron sings: "we've got credit but". A song with this title was recorded in 1931 by Bob Ferguson and his Scalawaggers, but I haven't heard that recording and I can't verify it's the same song. There is a recording on YouTube that purports to be by Ferguson, but it sounds the same as the Miller recording I heard on Spotify, and the sound quality sounds too good for 1931. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: NO DEPRESSION IN HEAVEN (Carter Family) From: GUEST,Felipa Date: 19 Oct 16 - 08:00 AM I don't see "NO DEPRESSION (IN HEAVEN)" on this thread yet? 1. For fear the hearts of men are failing For these are latter days we know The great depression now is spreading God's word declared it would be so CHORUS: I'm goin' where there's no depression To the lovely land that's free from care I'll leave this world of toil and trouble My home's in heaven; I'm going there 2. In that bright land there'll be no hunger No orphan children crying for bread No weeping widows, toil or struggle No shrouds, no coffins and no death 3. This dark hour of midnight nearin' Tribulation time will come The storm will hurl a midnight fear And sweep lost millions to their doom notes from http://www.protestsonglyrics.net/Great_Depression_Songs/No-Depression-in-Heaven.phtml: 3 - Released on Decca Records 5252 and Montgomery Ward #8006 on June 8, 1936, by The Carter Family 4 - There are claims No Depression in Heaven was written in 1932 by James David Vaughan. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: BREADLINE BLUES (Slim Smith) From: GUEST,Felipa Date: 19 Oct 16 - 08:05 AM http://www.protestsonglyrics.net/Great_Depression_Songs/Breadline-Blues.phtml BREADLINE BLUES Words and music by Bernard (Slim) Smith As recorded by Bernard (Slim) Smith, 1931(1) The latest news has struck me funny Says you have no friends if you haven't got money And all of us good folks in distress But I'm gonna get something off my chest Nineteen thirty-two won't be long And when you place your vote please don't vote wrong Vote away those blues, the breadline blues It's a rich man's job to make some rules In order to rid our breadline blues Now listen here folks and it ain't no joke We've got to do something or we're all going to croak We can't get a job, we've all been robbed We've got no money and the corn's all cob We've nothing but blues, the breadline blues If we had state rights, I'll leave it to you We could all have fun and better home brew Says the long-eared mule standing over his box To the big-mouthed elephant: 'You drink like an ox 'You had twelve years, proved nothing but a curse 'Instead of making it better, it's getting worse and worse' Says the long-eared mule, 'I ain't no fool' The elephant said, 'You long-eared mule Will you shut your mouth? you never been to school' The mule said, 'Elephant, it ain't no joke We've got to do something or we're all gonna croak We ain't got nothing but a carload of tax And the doggone load is just a-breaking our backs We've got the blues, the breadline blues' The latest news has struck me funny Says you have no friends if you haven't got money And all of us good folks in distress But I'm gonna get something off my chest Nineteen thirty-two won't be long And when you place your vote please don't vote wrong Vote away those blues, those breadline blues Notes: 1 - Recorded by Slim Smith, on Crown records 3118, April 1931 |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: GUEST,Felipa Date: 19 Oct 16 - 08:07 AM Album: Lost City Ramblers - 1959 - Songs from the Depression 1.No Depression in Heaven 2.There'll Be No Distinction There 3.Breadline Blues 4.White House Blues 5.Franklin Roosevelt's Back Again 6.How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live 7.Keep Moving 8.Taxes on the Farmer Feeds Us All 9.Serves Them Fine 10.NRA Blues 11.Death of the Blue Eagle 12.Join the C.I.O. 13.Old Age Pension Check 14.Sales Tax on the Women 15.Wreck of the Tennessee Gravy Train 16.Loveless C.C.C. 17.Boys, My Money's All Gone 18.All I Got's Gone |
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Subject: Lyr Add: THERE'S A NEW DAY COMIN' (Young/Ager) From: Jim Dixon Date: 04 Nov 16 - 05:44 PM THERE'S A NEW DAY COMIN' Words by Joe Young, music by Milton Ager, ©1933. I. As recorded by Billy Cotton's Midnight Minstrels: New day's comin', as sure as you're born. There's a new day comin'; don't look so forlorn. See that new day dawning; let's all knock on wood. Neighbors say good mornin'; it's bound to be good. New world's singin'; it's gonna be fine. New clothes swingin' on ev'ryone's line. Joy bells ringin' for your folks and mine. There's a new day coming soon. II. As recorded by Ted Lewis and His Band: New day's comin', as sure as you're born. There's a new day comin'; start tootin' your horn. While the cobbler's shoein', the baker will bake. When the brewer's brewin', we'll all get a break. New day's comin' for Levy and Burke(?). New day's comin' for boss or for clerk. No more thumbin'; we'll all get to work. There's a new day comin' soon. [Note: a catalog entry at Indiana University indicates there is a missing verse that begins: "Wake up! Wake up! All you sons o' toil!" I don't know who Levy and Burke are; my guess is: Levy is a stereotypical Jewish name and Burke is a stereotypical Irish name, so these are meant to represent typical recent immigrants who are probably unemployed and poor. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: GUEST,Ebor Fiddler Date: 04 Nov 16 - 05:53 PM And then there's Woody's "Jolly Banker" - still very relevant today. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: DAWN OF A NEW DAY (Gershwin/Gershwin) From: Jim Dixon Date: 04 Nov 16 - 07:04 PM DAWN OF A NEW DAY (Official Song of the World's Fair) Words by Ira Gershwin, music by George Gershwin, ©1938. As recorded by Horace Heidt and His Musical Knights Sound the brass; roll the drum. To the world of tomorrow we come. See the sun through the gray. It's the dawn of a new day. Here we come, young and old, Come to watch all the wonders unfold, And the tune that we play, It's the dawn of a new day. Tell the wolf at the door That we don't want him 'round anymore. Better time's here to stay As we live and laugh the American way. Listen one; listen all. There can be no resisting the call. Come hail the dawn of a new day. [An annotation at WorldCat says: "Song was found among the papers of the late George Gershwin; Ira Gershwin composed the lyrics especially for the Fair."] |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: GUEST Date: 04 Nov 16 - 10:44 PM There's always "Seven Cent Cotton and Forty Cent Meat" already on Mudcat @displaysong.cfm?SongID=5242 I seem to remember a thread here on it too but can't find it, maybe with the Stringbean version |
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Subject: Lyr Add: WHISTLE WHILE YOU WORK (Morey/Churchill) From: Jim Dixon Date: 04 Nov 16 - 11:53 PM WHISTLE WHILE YOU WORK From Disney's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" Words by Larry Morey; music by Frank Churchill, ©1937. As recorded by Artie Shaw and His New Music (and others) Just whistle while you work. [whistle] Put on that grin and start right in To whistle loud and long. Just hum a merry tune. [whistle] Just do your best and take a rest And sing yourself a song. When there's too much to do, Don't let it bother you. Forget your troubles; try to be Just like the cheerful chickadee. And whistle while you work. [whistle] Come on, get smart; tune up and start To whistle while you work. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: RAISIN' THE RENT (Koehler/Arlen) From: Jim Dixon Date: 05 Nov 16 - 12:32 AM RAISIN' THE RENT Words, Ted Koehler; music, Harold Arlen; ©1933. From "Cotton Club Parade" As recorded by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra (with Ivie Anderson, vocalist) Good look has crossed me; bad luck has forced me Down to my last one cent. I'm right right in the middle of solving that riddle Known as raising the rent. Steal beg or borrow; got till tomorrow. Landlord's a mean old gent. It's come to a showdown and he wants the lowdown If I'm raising my rent. Better times are taking too long. Panic's on and it's hitting me too song. Got a right to sing a blues song. Trouble has got me down. I've made my mind up; I'd rather wind up Camping out in a tent Than being in the middle of solving that riddle Known as raising my rent. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: THERE'S NO DEPRESSION IN LOVE From: Jim Dixon Date: 05 Nov 16 - 05:55 PM The following lyrics are taken from a YouTube video by Peter Mintun: THERE'S NO DEPRESSION IN LOVE Words by Jack Yellen ; music by Dan Dougherty, ©1931. VERSE 1: What is all this talk about depression? It's become the national obsession. Well, there's one thing we'll admit The depression hasn't hit. Things haven't slackened down a bit In it. CHORUS 1: Stocks are low, may get lower. Things are slow, may get slower. Hey, hey! I'm glad to say there's no depression in love. Bankers sad, getting sadder. Times are bad; doesn't matter. Hey, hey! I'm glad to say there's no depression in love. Folks go right on making love and how it's enjoyed! When the moon is up above, nobody's unemployed. Ev'rywhere there's a Lizzie With a pair who are busy. Hey, hey! I'm glad to say there's no depression in love. VERSE 2: With the folks who worry I'm disgusted. What's the diff'rence? Ev'rybody's busted. Why be idle? Why be blue? Why not whoop-a-doop-a-doo? There's lots of love around for you. Me too! CHORUS 2: Rails and steels may be quiet. Sex appeals profit by it. Hey, hey! I'm glad to say there's no depression in love. Money's tight; dimes are dollars, But at night in the parlors, Hey, hey! I'm glad to say there's no depression in love. No one's buying lots of things; on the other hand, Solitaires and wedding rings still are in great demand. Goods are cheap; nothing's selling. Babies keep right on yelling. Hey, hey! I'm glad to say there's no depression in love. [There's an early recording by Vincent Rose and his Orchestra with vocalist Scrappy Lambert, in which he only sings the first chorus] |
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Subject: Lyr Add: I'M AN UNEMPLOYED SWEETHEART From: Jim Dixon Date: 05 Nov 16 - 06:16 PM I'M AN UNEMPLOYED SWEETHEART words by Edgar Leslie & Ned Washington, music by James V. Monaco, ©1931. As recorded by Lee Morse, 1931 VERSE: I'm so full of ambition, but I never seem to find Work that really appeals to me. Could I find a position like the one I have in mind, Oh, I'd be happy as I could be. CHORUS: I want a job in the moonlight under the stars above, For I'm an unemployed sweetheart lookin' for somebody to love. I'll guarantee I can spoon right, just like a turtledove, For I'm an unemployed sweetheart lookin' for somebody to love. I've got kisses; I've got arms; still, I'm always blue, Because my kisses and my arms have no work to do. If I got a chance in the moonlight, I wouldn't need a shove, For I'm an unemployed sweetheart lookin' for somebody to love. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: I'VE GOT FIVE DOLLARS (Hart/Rogers) From: Jim Dixon Date: 07 Nov 16 - 12:53 AM I'VE GOT FIVE DOLLARS Words by Lorenz Hart ; music by Richard Rodgers, ©1931 As recorded by Lee Morse & Her Bluegrass Boys, 1931. VERSE: Mister Shylock was stingy, But I was miserly too. I was more selfish and crabby than a shellfish. Oh, dear, it's queer What love can do. I'd give all my possessions for you. CHORUS 1: I've got five dollars. I'm in good condition, And I've got ambition That belongs to you. Two coats with collars, Debts beyond endurance On my life insurance, And that belongs to you. I've got a heart that must be spurtin'. Just be certain I'll be true. Take my five dollars. Take my coats and collars. Take my heart that hollers. Ev'rything I've got belongs to you. CHORUS 2: I've got five dollars, Eighty-five relations, Two late combinations(?)— They belong to you. Two coats with collars— Ma and grandma wore 'em. All the moths adore 'em. They belong to you. I've got two lips that care for mating, Therefore waiting Just will not do. Take my five dollars. Take my coats and collars. Take my heart that hollers: "Ev'rything I've got belongs to you." |
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Subject: Lyr Add: HERE IT IS MONDAY AND I'VE STILL GOT A... From: Jim Dixon Date: 07 Nov 16 - 02:13 AM HERE IT IS MONDAY AND I'VE STILL GOT A DOLLAR Music by Michael H. Cleary ; words by Mose Sigler, ©1932. As recorded by Rudy Vallee and His Connecticut Yankees. VERSE: One more week is just starting; the outlook's unusu'lly bright. I'm the kingfish of finance, spite of a Saturday night. I'm not well up in knowledge; my Latin is terribly low. Today I'm the hero at college; I'm the only one with dough. CHORUS: Here it is Monday and I still got a dollar, So why should I holler? 'Cause here it is Monday and I still got a dollar. Now usually Sunday, I'm as clean as a collar, So why should I holler? I'm the banker on the campus 'cause I've still got dough. When a man at college has a dollar, he's an all-American guy, Havin' big times, spendin' his dimes On lots o' cups o' coffee an' pie. Saturday's my day, 'cause a check comes on Friday, But why should I holler? Here it is Monday and I still got a dollar. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: JMB Date: 07 Nov 16 - 02:05 PM Waiting For A Train by Jimmie Rogers? |
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Subject: Lyr Add: WRAP YOUR TROUBLES IN DREAMS From: Jim Dixon Date: 07 Nov 16 - 03:26 PM WRAP YOUR TROUBLES IN DREAMS (AND DREAM YOUR TROUBLES AWAY) Words by Ted Koehler and Billy Moll ; music by Harry Barris, ©1931. As recorded by Mildred Bailey, 1931. VERSE: What price happiness? What price happiness? Who can truthfully say? But for ev'ry share with tears we pay. Love is happiness; I've had happiness, But it ended one day. Now I look at life a diff'rent way. CHORUS: When skies are cloudy and gray, They're only gray for a day, So wrap your troubles in dreams And dream your troubles away. Until that sunshine peeps through, There's only one thing to do: Just wrap your troubles in dreams And dream your troubles away. Your castles may tumble; that's fate after all. Life's really funny that way. No use to grumble; just smile as they fall. Weren't you king for a day? Say, just remember: the sunshine Always follows the rain, So wrap your troubles in dreams Dream your troubles away. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: WE'VE GOT TO PUT THAT SUN BACK IN THE SKY From: Jim Dixon Date: 07 Nov 16 - 08:19 PM (WE'VE GOT TO) PUT THAT SUN BACK IN THE SKY Words by Irving Kahal ; music by Joseph Meyer, ©1931. As recorded by the Boswell Sisters, 1931. VERSE: If you're happy blowin' bubbles, You keep right on blowin' bubbles Though the world may laugh at you; But if you find that blowin' bubbles Helps to chase away your troubles, That's just the thing for you to do. CHORUS: We've got to put the sun back in the sky, Teach the little bluebirds just how to fly. We'll start a-wingin' and you'll hear them singin', Singin' once again. We've got to put that smile back on each face, Peddle good cheer ev'ry place. All you do's keep hummin' cause spring is comin', Comin' to the lane. Ah, sing a little, croon a little tune. Ah, [scat] We've got to put that sun back in the sky, Teach the little bluebirds just how to fly, To make an I-love-you song of each blue song Just as the time goes by. Just keep right on smilin' when trouble's knockin' at your do'. All you do is keep on smilin'; your trouble's bound to go. [scat] I wonder, wonder why you worry so. We've got to put that sun back in the sky. We've got to put that sun back in the sky, When we put that sun, when we put that sun, when we put that sun back in the sky. We're gonna put that smile back on your face. We're gonna put that smile back on your face, When we put that smile, when we put that smile, when we put that smile back on your face. Sing a little, croon a little tune. That's what we want under the moon. We've got to put that sun back in the sky. Gotta teach those bluebirds just how to fly, To make an I-love-you song of each blue song Just as the time goes by. [A catalog entry indicates there is a missing verse that begins "Some one told a hard luck story."] |
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Subject: Lyr Add: WHISTLE AND BLOW YOUR BLUES AWAY From: Jim Dixon Date: 08 Nov 16 - 01:06 PM WHISTLE AND BLOW YOUR BLUES AWAY Words by Joe Young, music by Carmen Lombardo; copy;1932. As recorded by Billy Cotton and His Band CHORUS: Here's how to make things okay: Just whistle and blow your blues away. You'll swing along through the day, And whistle and blow your blues away. You're bound to lose your troubles and ev'ry care. They're only little bubbles, so give them air. Come on and whitewash the gray. Just whistle and blow your blues away. * A recording by Johnny Hamp and His Orchestra uses this as the first line of the chorus (the rest is as given above): "When things look dark gray, now don't you delay" A catalog entry says there is a missing verse that begins "Some professor up in Maine said that whistlers are insane" |
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Subject: Lyr Add: I'D RATHER BE A BEGGAR WITH YOU From: Jim Dixon Date: 08 Nov 16 - 02:20 PM I'D RATHER BE A BEGGAR WITH YOU Words by Oliver Perry, music by Irving King, ©1932. As recorded by Ray Noble's Orchestra, with Al Bowlly, vocalist. [But see footnote.] VERSE: I don't envy a millionaire. Wealth brings nothing but loads of care. I'm contented to be in love with you. Happiness isn't hard to find With somebody that's sweet and kind. I'd be happy in any place with you. CHORUS: With you I know I'd be so content Although I hadn't even a cent. [or "Though I were poor and hadn't a cent."]* I'd rather be a beggar with you than a king with somebody else. Though I were rich [or "I realize"]*, how blue I would be Without you there to fuss over me. I'd rather be a beggar with you than a king with somebody else. Life isn't ever a joke, dear, [or "Fortune may vanish in smoke, dear"]* To hearts that are empty and bare. [or "And my lucky breaks may be rare"]* I could be happy though broke, dear, With you beside me to care. A humble nest, a shack in the lane, With you would be a castle in Spain. I'd rather be a beggar with you than a king with somebody else. * Alternative lyrics in brackets are from a recording by Chick Bullock's Levee Loungers |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LET'S PUT OUT THE LIGHTS AND GO TO SLEEP From: Jim Dixon Date: 08 Nov 16 - 10:09 PM LET'S PUT OUT THE LIGHTS (AND GO TO SLEEP) Words and music by Herman Hupfeld, ©1932. As recorded by Rudy Vallee and His Connecticut Yankees. VERSE: Didn't we have a lovely evening? Our party was a great success. Oh, didn't Mrs Smith look stunning? Did you notice Mrs Jones' new dress? What did Mister Brown say to Uncle Benny? Just one of those things; he'd had a few too many. Sure was a hungry crowd. They didn't leave a scrap for Rover. We ought to feel real proud. Mighty glad the darn thing's over. (Please go 'way and let me sleep.) CHORUS: No more company to feed. No more papers left to read. So what's to do about it? Let's put out the lights and go to bed.* No more anything to drink. Leave those dishes in the sink. What's to do about it? Whisper "Nighty-night" and so to bed.* You're waiting now for me to say: "I love you more and more and more, dear. You're looking younger ev'ry day. You never were so sweet before, dear." No more money in the bank. No cute baby we can spank. Oh, what's to do about it? Let's put out the lights and go to bed.* * Bing Crosby sang "sleep" instead of "bed." |
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Subject: Lyr Add: THE GRASS IS GETTIN' GREENER ALL THE TIME From: Jim Dixon Date: 09 Nov 16 - 12:37 AM THE GRASS IS GETTIN' GREENER ALL THE TIME Words and music by Charles Newman, Johnny Burke & Harold Spina, ©1933. As recorded by Turner Layton & Clarence Johnstone. VERSE: I never worried what the season was, And the reason was: I didn't care; But now I worry what the season is, And the reason is: A love affair. CHORUS: Oh, the weather man said That the weather ahead Will soon be bright, And I think he's right, 'Cause the grass is gettin' greener all the time; And my lovey just said, When the roses are red, We'll name the day, And I'm glad to say That the grass is gettin' greener all the time. Is she wonderful? Swell! Am I glad that I fell? Does she go for me? Well— We're both saving for the ring. With a tweedle-dum-dee All the birdies and me Rehearse our song, And it won't be long, 'Cause the grass is gettin' greener all the time. VERSE 2: It's very strange and yet it isn't strange, How a man can change His point of view. I used to like to see the snow and such. And now I'd rather much The morning dew. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: HEY YOUNG FELLA (Fields/McHugh) From: Jim Dixon Date: 10 Nov 16 - 09:03 PM HEY YOUNG FELLA Words by Dorothy Fields ; music by Jimmy McHugh, ©1933 As recorded by Ruth Etting, 1933. VERSE: You had nothing to sing about; The days were dreary and wet; Had no sunshine to cling about, Then lots of rain to forget. You wore your flannels and stayed indoors, Like a birdie might do. How you shivered and played indoors, Till one day I said to you: CHORUS: Hey, young fella! Better close your old umbrella. Have a glorious day Throwing rubbers away, 'Cause it ain't gonna rain no more. Say, young fella! Put your raincoat in the cellar. While you're tying your tie, Take a peek at that sky. Well, it ain't gonna rain no more. Look at that brave little rainbow, Fighting those clouds up above. I'm in the ring, mister rainbow, With a horseshoe in my glove. Hey, young fella! Better close your old umbrella. Let's go out in the sun, Start havin' fun, 'Cause it ain't gonna rain no more. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs From: Jim Carroll Date: 11 Nov 16 - 05:51 AM "Let's Put Out The Lights (And Go To Sleep)" (full text) Known as the "suicide song" if the Gret Deoression No more company to feed No more papers left to read What's to do about it Let's put out the lights and go to sleep No more anything to drink Leave those dishes in the sink What's to do about it Simply nighty-night and go to sleep You're waiting now for me to say I love you more and more and more dear You're looking younger every day You never were so sweet before dear No more money in the bank No cute baby we can spank What's to do about it Let's put out the lights and go to sleep You're waiting now for me to say I love you more and more and more dear You're looking younger every day You never were so sweet before dear No more money in the bank No cute baby we can spank What's to do about it Let's put out the lights And go to sleep |
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Subject: Lyr Add: WE'RE OUT OF THE RED (Brown/Gorney) From: Jim Dixon Date: 20 Nov 16 - 07:23 PM WE'RE OUT OF THE RED Words by Lew Brown, music by Jay Gorney, © 1934; from the film "Stand Up and Cheer." As recorded by Ramona [Davies] and her Park Avenue Boys. Pull yourself together; the future is bright. The skies are clearing overhead. … stormy weather; a rainbow's in sight. We're out of the red. Straighten out that wrinkle and kiss it goodbye. You're heading for a feather-bed. Put that little twinkle right back in your eye. We're out of the red. Sing hallelujah! Follow the crowd. The march of victory is on. Sing hallelujah! Sing it out loud, Because the big bad wolf is gone. Let's begin inviting the neighbors to call, Then prepare a new-year spread. Can't you see the writing upon ev'ry wall? The worst is over. Here comes the clover. We're out of the red. [The catalog entry at Indiana University indicates there is a missing verse that begins: "Oh, hear ye me! Mister gloom's been hovering near ye,"] |
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Subject: Lyr Add:WHAT HAVE WE GOT TO LOSE? (Kahn/Kent/Alter From: Jim Dixon Date: 20 Nov 16 - 08:29 PM (HI-HO-LACK-A-DAY) WHAT HAVE WE GOT TO LOSE? Words and music by Gus Kahn, Charlotte Kent, and Louis Alter, ©1933. As recorded by Phil Harris, 1933. VERSE: Now, I've got the swellest proposition And I keep wishin' that you'd agree, 'Cause, honey, in my life there's only one ambition. It's concerning you and concerning me. CHORUS: Now I haven't got a nickel, and you haven't got a dime, But I'm not so very busy, dear, and you've got lots of time. Hi-ho! Lack-a-day! Now what have we got to lose? Now, I'm very fond of walking, 'cause I haven't any car, And the church around the corner, dear, is not so very far. Hi-ho! Lack-a-day! What have we got to lose? Hi-diddle-diddle! That's a song That we can sing the whole day long. Hi-ho! Why, if anything goes wrong, We'll just sing our worries away. Now, we won't let little troubles upset our sweet romance, 'Cause hist'ry, dear, will tell you that Columbus took a chance. Hi-ho! Lack-a-day! What have we got to lose? |
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Subject: Lyr Add: WHEN MY SHIP COMES IN (Kahn/Donaldson) From: Jim Dixon Date: 21 Nov 16 - 08:38 AM The Eddie Cantor album "The Columbia Years: 1922-1940" contains two versions of this song. I have arbitrarily designated them Part I and Part II. WHEN MY SHIP COMES IN Words by Gus Kahn, music by Walter Donaldson, ©1934. From the film "Kid Millions" (1934) As recorded by Eddie Cantor. [Part I – 3:14] VERSE 1: You know I hate to hear you sigh, But you get blue, and so do I, Because our ship of dreams Is lost at sea, it seems; But though it's very far away, It will return some day. CHORUS 1: We'll have that cottage you've been wishing for. We'll have those roses rambling round the door, And maybe baby playing on the floor, When my ship comes in. You'll have the most expensive ev'ning gown. I'll have the finest dinner coat in town. The finest families won't turn us down, When my ship comes in. That fur coat you've been craving Is practically sold. There will be no skimping and saving. All you've got to do is pray the weather's cold. We'll have a car that's nearly new. We'll have it painted ev'ry year or two, And best of all, I know that I'll have you, When my ship comes in. CHORUS 2: I'll buy out ev'ry ice-cream factory, So all the kids can come and get in free, And I'll throw all the spinach in the sea, When my ship comes in. I'll buy up all the public schools in sight, And all day long I'll have them closed up tight, For they'll be used as picture shows at night, When my ship comes in. I'll buy Barnum and Bailey, And move 'em right next door. They'll give two performances daily For the kids who never saw a show before. In golden chairs we'll sip our tea for two. I'll have Paul Whiteman there to play for you. I'll have Bing Crosby singing, "Boo-boo-boo-boo-boo-boo-boo" When my ship comes in. [Part II – 3:05] [I have omitted lines that are repeated from Part I.] VERSE 2: There is a ship that sails the sea For little folks like you and me. It carries all our dreams, Our little hopes and schemes. I've got a ship that sailed away. It's coming home some day. CHORUS 3: I'll have a golden castle grand and tall, With eighteen butlers standing in the hall, And Walter Disney paintings on the wall, When my ship comes in. I'll leave the choice of autos up to you, And if you think a big Rolls Royce will do, I think I'll play it safe and order two, When my ship comes in. I'll have suits made to measure. In fact, I'll buy us four; And can you imagine the pleasure— Wearing shoes that no one ever wore before? I'll phone to each department store and say: "Call up your Santa Claus and raise his pay, And tell him we'll have Christmas ev'ry day, When my ship comes in." |
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Subject: Lyr Add: IF I HAD A MILLION DOLLARS (Mercer/Malnec From: Jim Dixon Date: 21 Nov 16 - 06:03 PM IF I HAD A MILLION DOLLARS Words by Johnny Mercer ; music by Matt Malneck, ©1934. From the film "Transatlantic Merry-Go-Round." I. As recorded by the Boswell Sisters. CHORUS: If I had a million dollars, I know just what I would do: I'd tie a string around the world and bring all of it to you. Those little things you pray for, whatever they may be, I'd have enough to pay for them all C.O.D. If I spent the million dollars, I know I would never care Because as long as you were mine, I'd still be a millionaire. That's why I'm always dreaming, dreaming of what I would do If I had a million dollars for you. II. As recorded by Al Bowlly. VERSE: Castles with their thrones, ships upon the sea, Gold and precious stones, all belong to me. Foolish though it seems, ev'ry word is true. Though they're only mine in dreams, my dreams belong to you. CHORUS: [As above, but ending with:] If I had a million dollars and you. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: OUR PENTHOUSE ON THIRD AVENUE (Brown/Fain From: Jim Dixon Date: 22 Nov 16 - 02:09 PM OUR PENTHOUSE ON THIRD AVENUE Words by Lew Brown, music by Sammy Fain, ©1937. From the film "New Faces of 1937." As recorded by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra, 1937. Our penthouse on Third Avenue, only a few stories high, Where smoke hides the blue of the sky— No roses in bloom, Or a fancy blue room— It isn't a beautiful view, with clothes hanging out there to dry, And watching the trains rumbling by, But you're satisfied; so am I. Just a stone's throw away, The rich folks stay With gardens and artistic bars, But what do we care? They're no happier there Than we are with only the moon and the stars. The taxis, the noise in the street, the whistling of boats all night through— Still we never fuss. It's heaven to us, Our penthouse on Third Avenue. [The catalog entry at Mississippi State University indicates there is a missing verse that starts: "Some folks seek a retreat in the mountains to escape the heat of the town."] [A 1937 recording by Ozzie Nelson and Harriet Hilliard is nearly identical, only omitting the word "just."] |
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Subject: Lyr Add: NOW I'M A LADY (Kahal/Coslow/Fain) From: Jim Dixon Date: 23 Nov 16 - 01:07 PM NOW I'M A LADY Words by Irving Kahal and Sam Coslow, music by Sammy Fain, ©1935. I. As sung by Mae West in the film "Goin' to Town" (1935): CHORUS: I used to put my heart an' soul in my dancin', to keep the wolf from the door, But now I'm a lady; don't have to dance anymore. I'd flirt with handsome men and ask them no questions; I met the best and the worst, But now I'm a lady; I see their pedigrees first. Let me say: There is many a boyfriend That knew me when, But today, They're the guys in the army Of my forgotten men. I used to play around without any conscience; I just broke hearts left and right, But now I'm a lady; I've learned to be more polite. Hi-de-ho! Baby, I'm goin' places; I've made my plan. Hi-de-ho! Love is dealin' the aces; I got my man. Now step by step I hit the top of the ladder; it was a dangerous climb, But now I'm a lady; come up and see me sometime. II. As sung by Joan Morris (accompanied by William Bolcom on piano) on the album "Autumn Leaves" (2015): VERSE: Gals, take a little lesson from me; you're bound to be OK. I'm not the gal that I used to be; I've had to change my way. This is just the start of my story; here is what I wanted to say: CHORUS: [As above.] [YouTube also has a recording by Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra (with a vocalist unknown to me).] |
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Subject: Lyr Add: GOTTA GO TO WORK AGAIN (Fairchild/Pascal) From: Jim Dixon Date: 23 Nov 16 - 04:34 PM GOTTA GO TO WORK AGAIN Words and music by Edgar Fairchild and Milton Pascal, ©1936. As recorded by Tommy Dorsey and His Clambake 7, 1936. CHORUS: Bought a house and lot, a limousine, a swanky yacht; My champagne would fill up any silver(?). Ho-hum! There goes the alarm clock. Gotta get up and go to work again. Acting awf'lly bored, I loaned a buck to Henry Ford, Broke a date with John D. Rockefeller. Ho-hum! There goes the alarm clock. Gotta get up and go to work again. No more sleep today. Must be on my way. Must forget the night and all its thrills. Gotta make some dough, Though an hour ago I lit cigarettes with dollar bills. Goin' out to dine, I met a girl who was divine. Soon we both were headed for Niagara. Ho-hum! There goes the alarm clock. Gotta get up and go to work again. [A catalog entry indicates there is a missing verse that begins: "Why must I always awaken, right in the midst of a dream?"] |
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Subject: Lyr Add: I'VE GOTTA GET UP AND GO TO WORK (Hupfeld From: Jim Dixon Date: 24 Nov 16 - 09:47 AM I'VE GOTTA GET UP AND GO TO WORK (title on sheet music) I'VE GOT TO GET UP AND GO TO WORK (title on the following recording) I GOTTA GET UP AND GO TO WORK (title on some other recordings) Words and music by Herman Hupfeld, ©1933. From the film "Moonlight and Pretzels" As recorded by Irving Aaronson and his Commanders, with Dick Robertson, vocalist, 1933. Exactly eight o'clock— Say, where's my other sock? I've got a job, So help me, Bob. I've gotta get up and go to work. Must be there on the dot. I hope my coffee's hot. Bring on those eggs, Those scrambled eggs. I've gotta get up and go to work. I'll do my best to make some dough So I can come home and say: We're out of debt; it's really so. You'll never regret our wedding day. If I should stay in bed, We'd soon be in the red. One kiss and then, Like all good men, I've gotta get up and go to work. [A catalog entry says there is a missing verse that begins: "Good morning! Good morning! Another day is dawning."] |
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Subject: Lyr Add: GOT THE JITTERS (Rose/Webster/Loeb) From: Jim Dixon Date: 24 Nov 16 - 09:36 PM GOT THE JITTERS Words by Billy Rose & Paul Francis Webster, music by John Jacob Loeb. As recorded by Isham Jones and His Orchestra, 1933. Got the jitters; got the jitters. Got the jitters; got the jitters; got the jitters Like the pounding of a hammer, And the clatter and the clamor Of Manhattan's panorama, Got the jitters. Get my broker; get my broker. Buy a hundred thousand shares of tapioca. Get Chicago on the wire. Hello, Mister McIntyre. Tapioca's goin' higher. Got the jitters. Bought a penthouse with a view. I haven't had a chance to see the view. Bought a shiny Cadillac. Always use a taxi there and back. Got the jitters; got the jitters. Got the jitters; got the jitters; got the jitters. From the moment that I get up, On the go without a letup. How about another setup? Got the jitters. Like a million other critters Who are not exactly quitters I'm a much bewildered man who's got the jitters! |
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Subject: Lyr Add: I'M FEELIN' LIKE A MILLION (Freed/Brown) From: Jim Dixon Date: 25 Nov 16 - 02:59 PM I'M FEELIN' LIKE A MILLION Words by Arthur Freed, music by Nacio Herb Brown, ©1937. From the film "Broadway Melody of 1938" As recorded by Hildegarde VERSE: Though I'm flat, though I'm broke, Though I'm bent, I'm contented To never sigh as time goes by. You know there's a gleam in my eye, And inside of my heart, I'm a lucky girl; there's a reason why: CHORUS: I'm feeling like a million. Though I haven't got a dollar, a shilling or a sou, Still I'm feeling like a million, And I want to get this over to you That I'm feeling like a million. Though I haven't got a villa, a cottage or bed, Still I'm walking like a million With my hat on the side of my head. What's this thing that I've found Through the days that I've clowned? Is it you that's around? I get a crazy feeling I could jump up to the ceiling. 'Cause I'm feeling like a million. Though I couldn't buy a stocking, a handbag or a glove,* Still I'm feeling like a million. Is it you? Is it you? Is it love? [* A male vocalist who sang this with Teddy Hill and His Orchestra, sang: "Though I couldn't buy a collar, a necktie or a glove...."] [Josephine Baker recorded a French version of this song called "Comme une Banque" (in addition to the English version). The first line sounds like "Je me sens comme une banque."] |
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Subject: Lyr Add: SLUMMING ON PARK AVENUE (Irving Berlin) From: Jim Dixon Date: 25 Nov 16 - 07:12 PM SLUMMING ON PARK AVENUE Words and music by Irving Berlin, ©1937. From the film "On the Avenue" As recorded by Ray Noble and His Orchestra with The Merry Macs. CHORUS: Let's go slumming; take me slumming. Let's go slumming on Park Avenue. Let us hide behind a pair of fancy glasses And make faces when a member of the classes passes. Let's go smelling where they're dwelling, Sniffing ev'rything the way they do. Let us go to it; they do it; why can't we do it too? Let's go slumming, nose thumbing, at Park Avenue. [I found these additional lyrics in The Complete Lyrics of Irving Berlin edited by Robert Kimball, Linda Emmet, but I haven't heard them sung:] VERSE: Put on your slumming clothes and get your car. Let's go sightseeing where the high-toned people are. Come on; there's lots of fun in store for you. See how the other half lives on Park Avenue. CHORUS 2: Let's go slumming; take me slumming. Let's go slumming on Park Avenue. Where the social hearts for Broadway lights are throbbing, And they spend their nights in smart cafes hobnobbing, snobbing. Come, let's eye them, pass right by them, Looking down our noses as they do. Let us go to it; they do it; why can't we do it too? Let's go slumming, crumb bumming, on Park Avenue. CHORUS 3: Let's go slumming; take me slumming. Let's go slumming on Park Avenue. Let's scrutinize them through a silver lorgnette And make faces at their children who haven't been born yet. When they're talking, hillside walking, Let us look them up and down and through. Let us go to it; they do it; why can't we do it too? Let's go slumming, chew gumming, on Park Avenue. CHORUS 4: Let's go slumming; take me slumming. Let's go slumming on Park Avenue. Where they won't see shows unless it's from the front row, Paying prices that make actors call the front row grunt row. Let's go find them, and remind them, That they live there though the rent is due. Let us go to it; they do it; why can't we do it too? Let's go slumming, ho-humming, on Park Avenue. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: W.P.A. (Jesse Stone) From: Jim Dixon Date: 26 Nov 16 - 10:56 AM W.P.A. Words and music by Jesse Stone As recorded by Louis Armstrong and The Mills Brothers, 1940. [I have put the words sung or spoken by Armstrong in italics.] Now wake up boys; get out on the rock. It ain't daybreak, but it's four o'clock. Oh, no, no, no, pops; you know that ain't the play. Whatcha talkin' 'bout? It's the W.P.A. Oh, the W.P.A. (Now I said that.) The W.P.A. Sleep while you work, while you rest, while you play. Lean on your shovel to pass the time away. 'Taint what you do; you can jive(?) for your pay. (Why is that?) The W.P.A. The W.P.A. The W.P.A. Now don't be a fool; workin' hard is passé. You'll stand from five to six hours a day. Sit down and joke while you smoke; it's OK. The W.P.A. § I'm so tired, I don't know what to do. Can't get fired, So I'll take my rest until my work is through. The W.P.A. The W.P.A. Don't mind the boss if he's cross when you're gay. He'll get a pink slip next month anyway. Three little letters that make life OK: The W.P.A. [Scat] [Repeat from § to end.] |
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Subject: Lyr Add: REMEMBER MY FORGOTTEN MAN (Dubin/Warren) From: Jim Dixon Date: 26 Nov 16 - 12:09 PM REMEMBER MY FORGOTTEN MAN Words by Al Dubin, music by Harry Warren, ©1933. From the film "Gold Diggers of 1933" As recorded by Joan Blondell. CHORUS: Remember my forgotten man? You put a rifle in his hand. You sent him far away. You shouted: "Hip hooray!" But look at him today. Remember my forgotten man? You had him cultivate the land. He walked behind a plow. The sweat fell from his brow, But look at him right now. And once he used to love me. I was happy then. He used to take care of me. Would you bring him back again? 'Cause ever since the world began, A woman's got to have a man. Forgetting him, you see, Means you're forgetting me, Like my forgotten man. [The following lyrics came from an online website but they are not on the above recording.] VERSE: I don't know if I deserve a bit of sympathy. Save your sympathy. That's all right with me. I was satisfied to drift along from day to day, 'Til you came and took my man away. [There is a French version of this song titled "Qu'avez-vous fait de mon amant?" with lyrics by Marcel Duhamel.] |
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Subject: Lyr Add: SITTIN' ON A RUBBISH CAN From: Jim Dixon Date: 27 Nov 16 - 02:38 PM SITTIN' ON A RUBBISH CAN Words by Bob Schafer and Nelson A. Shawn, music by Johnny Burke, ©1931. As recorded by Julia Gerity and Her Boys. No one to walk with, No one to talk with, No one to call my man, Heartsick and lonesome, All by my ownsome, Sittin' on a rubbish can. No one to pet with, Try and forget with, Ever since I began. I made my mind up That I would wind up Sittin' on a rubbish can. He's and she's give me the breeze. I know what their glances mean: "Why don't you just hop right in And help keep the city clean?" No one to tease me, No one to squeeze me, I don't fit in life's plan. Oh, hell! and so on. Why must I go on Sittin' on a rubbish can? [Instrumental break.] No one to neck with, And raise some heck with, I'm just an also-ran. I'm getting static Up in my attic, Sittin' on a rubbish can. No one to kiss me, Do that and miss me. What good is my divan? Gee, it's a burn-up To think I'd turn up Sittin' on a rubbish can. So I sing a song of love. No one ever hears my song. I could even love a moron, Even a peepin' tom. No one to ride with, To sit beside with, I'm in a swell sedan. Believe me, sisters, I'm getting blisters Sittin' on a rubbish can. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: BANKING ON THE WEATHER (Young/Fain) From: Jim Dixon Date: 28 Nov 16 - 12:31 AM BANKING ON THE WEATHER Words by Joe Young, music by Sammy Fain, ©1932. As recorded by Joe Moss and His Orchestra, 1932. VERSE: Oh, the world's a great big bank, Filled with love untold. Meet the lucky stars we hang.(?) They're our hearts of gold. When my work and hustle is through, Here's the kind of bankin' I do: CHORUS: Bankin' on the weather, mm-hmm, hope it doesn't rain. Bankin' on the weather to bring us together again. Bankin on the moonlight, mm-hmm, and the little stars. I know that banks may come and banks may go, but there's no bank like ours. Bankin' on our love nest, Beside the water too; Bankin' on the int'rest I always get from you. Bankin' on your kisses, mm-hmm, in a lovers' lane, Bankin' on the weather to bring us together again. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: STRINGIN' ALONG ON A SHOE STRING From: Jim Dixon Date: 29 Nov 16 - 09:42 AM STRINGIN' ALONG ON A SHOE STRING Words by Harold Adamson, music by Burton Lane, © As recorded by Henry "Red" Allen and Coleman Hawkins and their Orchestra, 1933. I'm stringin' along on a shoestring. I'm havin' a wonderful time. No wonder the world is a great place for me. I don't have to pay for the moonlight. I don't have to pay for the sunlight. The kisses I get from my baby are free. I got the birds and the flowers, blue skies above. I spend my hours just making sweet(?) love. I've got a wonderful sweetheart, Who's happy as she can be Just stringin' along on a shoestring with me. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: SUNNY SIDE UP (De Sylva/Brown/Henderson) From: Jim Dixon Date: 29 Nov 16 - 11:51 AM (KEEP YOUR) SUNNY SIDE UP Words by Buddy De Sylva & Lew Brown, music by Ray Henderson, ©1929. From the film "Sunny Side Up" (1929) As recorded by Chick Endor with Leonard Joy's Orchestra. VERSE 1: There's one thing to think of when you're blue: There are others much worse off than you. If a load of trouble should arrive, Laugh and say it's great to be alive. CHORUS 1: And keep your sunny side up, up! Hide the side that gets blue. If you have nine sons in a row, Baseball teams make money, you know. Keep your funny side up, up! Let your laughter come through, do! Stand upon your legs. Be like two fried eggs. Keep your sunny side up. VERSE 2: Life can be a pleasure or a pain, Good or bad, successful or in vain. Happiness is just a point of view. If you have it, here's the thing to do: CHORUS 2: Keep your sunny side up, up! Drown a frown with a smile. If you think it's raining for you, Just remember others are blue. Always look for the bright side. Start the day on the right side. You'll find life worthwhile. Learn to wear a smile. Keep your sunny side up. [Lyrics recorded by Earl Burtnett and His Biltmore Hotel Orchestra:] Keep your sunny side up, up! Hide the side that gets blue. If you can't buy lobster and cake, You're in luck; your tummy won't ache. Keep your funny side up, up! Let your laughter come through, do! If you meet with gloom, Don't "faw down go boom." * Keep your sunny side up. [* "I faw down an' go boom!" was a popular song title. I think it was a popular catch phrase before that, but I haven't been able to trace its origin.] |
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