Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs

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.]

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.

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.

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.

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.]

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.]

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.

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."]

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!

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."]

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?"]

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).]

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."]

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.

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."

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?

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,"]

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

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.

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.

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."

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

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"

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."]

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.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Depression Era Songs
From: JMB
Date: 07 Nov 16 - 02:05 PM

Waiting For A Train by Jimmie Rogers?

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.

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."

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.

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]

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.

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.

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

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."]

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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...."

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."]

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

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.]

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." ]

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.]

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.]

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.

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."]

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.