OK, now here's the version from the 1960 edition of Voices of the World, the 6th-grade music book of the Follett Together We Sing series (Wolfe/Krone/Fullerton), page 162.


LA CUCARACHA
(folk melody from Mexico, lyrics by Margaret Fullerton)

When they dance the cucaracha,
And I hear the music playing,
To the Plaza then I hurry,
Join the dance without delaying.

CHORUS
La cucaracha, la cucaracha,
Whirling round and round we go,
La cucaracha, la cucaracha,
Gayest dance in Mexico.

See the gallant caballeros,
How they're throwing their sombreros,
And the señoritas smiling,
With a glance that's so beguiling.
CHORUS



Gee, it sounds like The Continental or another of those corny dance songs from the Fred and Ginger movies.


Anyhow, despite the 1927 imprimatur from Sandburg, I can't imagine the marijuana verses of this song being taught in American grammar schools at any time - and I agree that they shouldn't be taught at that level.

-Joe-