Subject: Frank Crummit ? From: Soncy Date: 20 Sep 99 - 01:41 AM Anybody know any biographic information about an old, novelty singer named Frank Crumit? In various searches of dusty bins of '78's, I've found a dozen or more delightful records he made, presumably in the 1920's - for instance, the best recording ever of "The Year of Jubilo", as well as "The Prune Song", "Life is only a Merry-Go-Round", and "Get Away, Old Man, Get Away", to name a few. I'd appreciate any details or sources of information about Frank Crumit. Also, if anybody knows "Life is only a Merry-Go-Round", I'm interested to learn the verses, which are pretty scratchy on my recording. Thanks. Tim. |
Subject: RE: BS: Frank Crummit ? From: Dale Rose Date: 20 Sep 99 - 02:41 AM I've got some stuff on Frank Crumit somewhere, but it is late (early?) and I don't know where it is. It will likely be a while before I can get back here, so don't hold your breath. I am sure Arkie has information to share as well if he sees this. |
Subject: RE: BS: Frank Crummit ? From: Mike Billo Date: 20 Sep 99 - 11:04 AM I know that he accompanied himself on the ukulele, and along with Johnny Marvin, did much to make the uke so popular in the '20's. |
Subject: RE: BS: Frank Crummit ? From: M. Ted (inactive) Date: 20 Sep 99 - 01:13 PM Sorry, I believe it's spelled Crumit-- He was a very popular entertainer, in vaudville, on Broadway, on records, and later, on radio.He made hit records of a number of songs that are much beloved to us--such as "Abdul the Bubul Amir" "Ukulele Lady", "Frankie and Johnny", "The Pig Got Up and Slowly Walked Away", and "What Kind of a Noise Annoys an Oyster", having written the last--also popular was "There's no one with endurance like the man who sells insurance"-- He was born in Jackson, Ohio in 1889 studied to be an engineer but was attracted by the roar of the crowd and went into vaudville as a song and dance man 1913- Move up to Broadway in 1918 for the show "Betty Be Good"--he was a big success and went on to "Greenwich Village Follies of 1920" which featured his hit song, "Sweet Lady" his first recording was for American Columbia in 1919, where he stayed until 1924 when he went to Victor Records, where he record most of his big hits-- He had several radio programs during the thirties and forties, where he performed with his wife, Julia Sanderson--he was known for his humorous material, particularly his puns, and his work with the ukulele apparently inspired George Formby, The radio program particularly used much folk and traditional music, which he performed in a simple, unaffected style, with simple instrumentation, often only his guitar or ukukele and maybe a piano--the way that he mixed traditional, popular and novelty songs with pieces of his own composition, forshadowed many of today's folk performers in a way that is almost eerie-- He died unexpectedly in l943, only a short time after he and Julie had started a new, noontime radio program, "Singing Sweethearts"-- There are a number of CD compilations of his work, and all are worth a good listen--
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Subject: RE: BS: Frank Crummit ? From: Art Thieme Date: 20 Sep 99 - 05:53 PM His sung rendition of Kipling's poem "The Women" is politically incorrect now---but it is simply a great song. Jim Kweskin used to sing it in his solo shows in the 70s. Art Thieme |
Subject: RE: BS: Frank Crummit ? From: Joe Offer Date: 20 Sep 99 - 06:14 PM Art, click here for what's supposed to be a complete collection of poems by Kipling - which poem is it that you're talking about? -Joe Offer- |
Subject: RE: BS: Frank Crummit ? From: Stewie Date: 20 Sep 99 - 06:45 PM I have an old Ace of Hearts LP called 'Frank Crumit, the Gay Caballero'. The sleeve has notes by JE Miller, but these add little to what M.Ted has provided above, except that Miller suggests that Crumit's inspiration for the ukelele was the success of Ukelele Ike and Wendell Hall (the Red Headed Music Maker. |
Subject: RE: BS: Frank Crummit ? From: Steve Parkes Date: 21 Sep 99 - 03:52 AM It could be this one, Joe, but I think it's more likely to be this one. It contains the "N" word, as well as being frightfully sexist, but judge it by the standards of the day to do it justice, and remember Kipling was presenting the accurate view of the common Tommy, who'd been there and done that (they didn't have t-shirts then!). Oh, and don't forget it's meant to be entertaining, not a serious social document. I've sung the Gay Caballlero with great success, and no-one gets the wrong end of the stick about it. I'd do the Prune Song as well, but my musicianing isn't quite up to filling the gaps in the words. The Pig Got Up goes down very weel too - I must kearn the words. Steve |
Subject: RE: BS: Frank Crummit ? From: Sapper_RE Date: 21 Sep 99 - 07:51 AM Over this side of the pond, he was noted for his songs about golf:- Oh the dirty little pill Went rolling down the hill, and rolled straight into the bunker....... Was to the tune "Brighton Camp", aka "Girl I Left Behind Me" Did have some of these on 78rpm many yaers ago. I think they may have been thrown out when my mother died. Bob |
Subject: RE: BS: Frank Crummit ? From: Lorne Brown Date: 21 Sep 99 - 05:25 PM Glad to hear people talking about Frank Crumit. (Note: one m) I have a ton of his songs on record (now CDs) and consider him to be one of the pioneers at getting folk music on record and on the air, thus paving the way for the first revival of Seeger, Guthrie, et al. His stock market song is a dandy, and "I Learned About Women from 'Er" was his melody, so he could create a good tune when he wanted to. AND, he also told a couple of stories on record, which I as a storyteller appreciate a lot. Lorne Brown |
Subject: RE: BS: Frank Crummit ? From: Art Thieme Date: 21 Sep 99 - 07:54 PM Joe, "I Learned About Women From Her" was the song's title--although I seem to remember Kweskin calling it simply "The Women". Art |
Subject: RE: BS: Frank Crummit ? From: Dale Rose Date: 21 Sep 99 - 08:35 PM Here's an RA of Frank Crumit singing Oh Baby! (Don't Say No, Say Maybe) There are lots of other good things from the 20s and 30s on the page, too. And here's where you can find a Frank Crumit CD. I have never dealt with them, but they have been around a good while, so I would assume that they are reputable. I am sure there are other sources as well. As far as the info I have on Frank Crumit, it's been outdone by others, especially M.Ted, so there is no need to post it. |
Subject: Lyr Add: THE LADIES (Kipling, from Jim Kweskin) From: Art Thieme Date: 22 Sep 99 - 12:36 PM from the singing of Jim Kweskin--1973--when we shared a gig at a folk club in a building that had once been a synogogue---Charlotte's Web in Rockford, Illinois. Jim said it was by Kipling and from a 78rpm record by Frank Crumit, but while I have heard Crumit's recording of this song (and have it on a cassette of my favorite songs) I've not seen it collected in any collection by Rudyard Kipling. As I've said, it's not P.C. now, but it is a great song; just one more paradox of our unique times. Art Thieme ----------------------------------------------------
I've taken my fun where I found it,
I was a young 'un at Oogli,
Then I was ordered to Burma,
Then I come home on a trooper,
So I've taken my fun where I found it,
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Subject: RE: BS: Frank Crummit ? From: Lorne Brown Date: 22 Sep 99 - 02:16 PM Art - I think the phrase is "jemadar-sais", which means head groom. Lorne Brown |
Subject: Lyr Add: I LEARNED ABOUT WOMEN FROM HER (G Reeves) From: Stewie Date: 22 Sep 99 - 07:32 PM Goebel Reeves, The Texas Drifter, recorded 'I LEARNED ABOUT WOMEN FROM HER' in San Antonio on 26 June 1929. In the Bear Family reissue of his work, the song is credited to Reeves. Reeves worked for a time as a merchant seaman. The lyrics differ significantly from those provided above by Art:
Now I've picked up my fun where I found it
Not I'm not so much with the ladies
Now I was a young one at Ogli
Then I was transferred to Burma
Then I was transferred to Neemuch
Then I came home on a steamer
Now I picked up my fun where I found it From Goebel Reeves 'Hobo's Lullaby'Bear Family BCD 15 680 It's little wonder that the lyrics changed over time, at least on recordings! As Art says, it is hardly PC today, but in the recording of folk material there is no place for bowdlerism. Stewie. |
Subject: RE: BS: Frank Crummit ? From: Lorne Brown Date: 22 Sep 99 - 09:33 PM Maybe we can settle this "I Learned About Women From 'Er". Frank Crumit recorded this in 1928. The words come from Kipling's poem "The Ladies", published in 1896. Kipling's poem contains eight verses. Crumit used five of these verses and called his song "I Learned About Women From 'Er". He thankfully left out Kipling's fifth verse which was too racist even for 1928. (Also the second verse which contains the unfortunate line "The things you will learn from the yellow and Brown/They'll help you a lot with the White!") (Good for Frank!) He left out Kipling's last verse, which contains a famous Kipling quote: "For the Colonel's Lady and Judy O'Grady/Are sisters under their skins!" I, personally, think Crumit chose wisely; his five verses tell the story nicely. I do miss the famous quote, though. The music was composed by Frank himself, and is a beautiful tune. I sing this song often, but rarely (never?) in public, which is probably cowardice on my part, because it is a lovely song reflecting another age. The lyrics quoted by Art Thieme are correct, other than misspelled placenames (Prome, Meerut)and the wrong phrase I mentioned earlier (jemadar-sais). The lyrics quoted by Stewie are incorrect. (Correct, by the way, means that they are Kipling's lyrics.) Bear Records' attributing the song to Geobel Reeves is horribly wrong and is a slight to both Kipling and Crumit, and is unworthy of Bear Records. Lorne Brown |
Subject: RE: BS: Frank Crummit ? From: Lorne Brown Date: 22 Sep 99 - 11:26 PM One last thing about Crumit (a favourite of mine, can you tell?) His most famous song was "The Gay Caballero" and it can be found in the data base. He also recorded its sequel - "The Return of the Gay Caballero". I seem to recall a character on a TV programme in the '60s who called himself the Gay Caballero. Lorne Brown |
Subject: RE: BS: Frank Crummit ? From: Stewie Date: 23 Sep 99 - 01:42 AM Obviously, then, like so many other 19th century poems and songs, the Kipling poem underwent the folk process. Some of Reeves songs are full of floaters. Given that the Kipling poem has been identified above, who knows which of the changes are down to Reeves himself. Reeves' version, offensive though it is, must not have been considered 'too racist' in 1929 by the Okeh record company that released it as OK 45381, backing the sentimental 'The Tramp's Mother' - maybe it was considered a balancing act. The target audience of Reeves' recording was very different from that of Crumit's and the singers lived in totally different social contexts - Crumit was a popular artist, his milieu was Broadway and the north, and Reeves was a Texan, a drifter and a hillbilly singer. Whilst on the subject of 'having a shot' at Bear Family records - an exemplary label notwithstanding a few blemishes - I too have a small bone to pick in this context. The fascinating essay on Reeves by Fred Hoeptner - it does not refer specifically to the song in question - is captioned: 'Fred Hoeptner, Los Angeles May 1994'. Hoeptner's essay is an almost word-for-word reprint of his essay that appeared in Old Time Music No 18 Autumn 1975. No credit at all is given to its previous publication in OTM. That is very disappointing because due credit should be given to Tony Russell for providing a forum for serious discussion of early country music at a time when very few others, with a few notable exceptions, were interested. A picture of Reeves graces issue No 18 and it includes a full Reeves discography by John Larsen and Richard Weize. The article also mentions the late John Edwards, the country music authority, an Australian who did more than most to draw attention to the importance of early American country music as an untapped reservoir of folk traditions. Stewie.
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Subject: RE: BS: Frank Crummit ? From: arkie Date: 23 Sep 99 - 12:04 PM I first learned of Frank Crumit from Glenn Ohrlin, a local rancher and an authority on authentic cowboy songs. He also sings Gay Caballero and I Learned About Women From Her and was fond of Frank Crumit's music. That perked my interest, but I certainly can add nothing to what has already been posted. Thanks to all for the information on Mr. Crumit. I have really enjoyed this. My World Reknown Folklorist acquaintance proposed a Frank Crumit issue to Collector's Choice Music, but they did not think there was a market. Wonder what would happen if the company was inundated with requests for a Frank Crumit recording? An aside on the I Learned About Women from Her. There is a parody which starts I've taken the nags as I found them. I have never been able to get Glenn interested in it. He is kind of particular about what he will sing or play. |
Subject: RE: BS: Frank Crummit ? From: richardw Date: 28 Oct 00 - 08:32 PM Here is the parody, a year later From the Traditional Ballad Index at: http://www.csufresno.edu/folklore/BalladSearch.html Cheers Richard Wribght I Learned about Horses from Him DESCRIPTION: The singer describes the horses (and others) he has met in his life. Every incident ends with the rueful comment, "I learned about horses from him." There is a "horse," Conscience, he hasn't ridden; he expects hereafter to learn about that horse from Him AUTHOR: George B. German EARLIEST DATE: 1932 KEYWORDS: cowboy horse humorous Gods FOUND IN: US REFERENCES (1 citation): Ohrlin-HBT 71, "I Learned about Horses from Him" (1 text, 1 tune) Notes: Modeled after Kipling's poem "The Ladies" ("I Learned about Women from Her"). - RBW File: Ohr071 |
Subject: RE: BS: Frank Crummit ? From: Troll Date: 28 Oct 00 - 09:12 PM A lot of Kiplings poems are highly singable. Leslie Fish has put music to several. I met her at the Pennsic War about 8 years ago and we spent an enjoyable evening trading songs. troll |
Subject: Lyr Add: I LEARNED ABOUT HORSES FROM HIM From: Dale Rose Date: 28 Oct 00 - 10:20 PM I had forgotten about this thread, thanks to richardw for reviving it. I went to the aforementioned Glenn Ohrlin book, The Hell-Bound Train, University of Illinois Press, 1973, and here is what I found. I'll let Glenn take it from here: 71 I LEARNED ABOUT HORSES FROM HIM This song, which is modeled on Kipling's "The Ladies" was written by George B. German for his old cowboy buddy Shorty Harris. According to German, Shorty Harris was a real character who rode broncs for years at rodeos and in ranch rough strings. 'Twas on the Horse Shoe in old Arizona That I rode my first bucking outlaw. He could throw any man on the rancho, And how that caballo could paw. Well, I lays down my Spanish guitaro, It was money I needed, by jim. I hoists myself into the saddle, And I learned about horses from him. Then I trails to a ranch in the rimrock, Where broncos are thicker than men. There was one needed tamin' right badly. I needed a job there and then. So I curls up my maguey so neatly, And I hangs my old pack on a limb. Then I slips through the bars quite discreetly, And I learned about horses from him. Next I wanders down into Sonora, Where horses are horses, you bet. There was good ones, had ones, and tough ones, And some of them darned hard to get. A senorita wanted one for a plaything, A black filled with hall to the brim. She begs me with a sweet little smile-o, And I learned about horses from him. Then I drifts on up into Texas, Where horses are wild, rough, and game, And I says to the pinto I'm ridin', "I'll get me a good one to tame." So I takes to the hills and the canyons, And I waits till I'm haggard and grim. Then my loop settles down on a picture, And I learned about horses from him. Well, I rides up into Wyoming, For I'd heard of a bad one called Bear, And I heard they were offering money To the guy that got on and stayed there. Well, I found him, a bleary-eyed loco, With ears that were pointed and thin. And from the time I stepped in his middle I learned about horses from him. Then I stopped in Cheyenne for the rodeo. To win me some money I tried. A horse you all know, name was Steamboat, That's the bugger I drew for to ride. Now, something says, "Mister, you're crazy!" But my bankroll says, "Don't you give in!" Three jumps from the time the gates opened I'd learned about horses from him. Now, I've heard a lot about horses, And I've rode 'em both large and small. Sometimes I got on and I stayed there, Sometimes what a hell of a fall! But they's one horse I never have ridden, It's Conscience they call it, by grim. But I reckon when we have the last roundup I'll learn about that horse from Him. I have put up the music from Glenn's book here. There are no other links to it except this thread. I have never heard Glenn do the song, but I can hear him doing it in my head, it would sure work as a recitation as well. Click to play |
Subject: RE: BS: Frank Crummit ? From: GUEST,Bill Sears Date: 06 Jan 01 - 08:23 PM Would anyone know where to get a recording of a song called "Down By The Railroad Track" by Frank Crumit? I am looking for it for my 92 year old Grandmother. All help would be very appreciated. My E-mail address is Bsears@nf.sympatico.ca Thanks |
Subject: RE: BS: Frank Crummit ? From: Morticia Date: 07 Jan 01 - 08:46 AM Try sending a PM to Micca ( sorry Bill, but you would have to join first to have that facility) as I happen to know he has at least one Frank Crumit album and could tape or MP3 it for you. |
Subject: RE: BS: Frank Crummit ? From: GUEST,Deb (Mullin) Carbone Date: 19 Jun 01 - 09:11 PM Were you looking for the lyrics to the Prune Song. Trade you for the lyrics to Gay Caballero. deb |
Subject: RE: BS: Frank Crummit ? From: rangeroger Date: 02 Nov 01 - 06:26 PM Just picked a Victor 78 by Frank Crumit ( along with 2 Columbia 78's by Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys) doing "The Song of The Prune" and "Down in De Cane Break".Paid $1.05 for the 3 of them at the local St. Vincent DePauls. I don't collect 78's, well I guess I do now, but I'm going to break out an old turntable that plays 78 and try to put these on tape. There are more there, alot of Bob Wills and Montana Slim and the lady at the store said she would make me a deal on all the 78's.I just may do it. I would have never known about Frank Crumit if not for this thread and the Mudcat. rr |
Subject: Lyr Add: GET AWAY OLD MAN, GET AWAY (from Dalhart) From: Rank Date: 26 Jun 02 - 06:26 PM I recently borrowed a copy of "Get away old man, get away" and thought I'd post it as it has additional words to the one in the index. I borrowed the record as it also features some instrumental Jew's harp. The other side is "The runaway train" which used to feature on Uncle Macs on Saturday morning (children's programme in the UK) every other week. Don't know if it was this version though. Crummit was definitely spelt with two m's, so are we talking about the same person? Also, out of idle curiosity, is there an easy way to find out the release date of 78 records? "Does shoo fly, don't bother me" appear commonly in American songs, as I seem to have heard it before? GET AWAY OLD MAN, GET AWAY
Sung by Vernon Dalhart
Now listen all you maidens, about to choose a man,
CHORUS: For an old man he is old, for an old man he is grey,
Be sure to get a young man, with red and rosy cheek,
I'd sooner marry a young man, with an apple in his hand,
Don't ever marry an old man, who's got a room of tears,
Get away, get away, get away. |
Subject: RE: BS: Frank Crummit ? From: Liz the Squeak Date: 27 Jun 02 - 12:50 AM Frank regularly reviewed his own lyrics - I've got evidence of two recordings of the Prune song, sung by Frank, with differing lyrics. So the changes in the words might be his own revision rather than a bowdler at work. Mountain Greenery was one of his best known too, and again, dreadfully sexist, but if you put it into context of the time and era he was writing in (between the wars, when women were still very much considered the weaker sex and ladies were not expected to do anything more strenuous than open a handbag), then it makes sense. LTS |
Subject: RE: BS: Frank Crummit ? From: Herga Kitty Date: 27 Jun 02 - 02:34 AM I've heard him do 2 versions of the Prune song too - the during and after Prohibition versions. Kitty |
Subject: RE: BS: Frank Crummit ? From: Micca Date: 27 Jun 02 - 04:28 AM I have a coupe of his CDs, unfortunately not containing the original song requested. but lots of other "Crumit classics" |
Subject: RE: BS: Frank Crummit ? From: GUEST,Bill Kennedy Date: 27 Jun 02 - 09:37 AM and I have a couple of copies of his ukulele song books entitled 'Strum it with Crumit! |
Subject: Lyr Add: I'VE TAKEN THE NAGS AS I'VE FOUND THEM From: GUEST,Arkie Date: 28 Jun 02 - 01:21 AM So nice to see the return of Frank Crumit. I mentioned a western parody much earlier and it is different from the ones posted. Here it is. I'VE TAKEN THE NAGS AS I'VE FOUND THEM I've taken the nags as I've found them, I've 'eeled and I've peeled in my time; I've had my pickin of remounts, An' four o' the lot was prime. One wa a 'arf caste devil, One was a 'orse but in name, One I 'arf 'sited in Ogdan, Utah, One fell in a ditch and went lame. When I was a young one at Riley, Tender as 'ell to begin, Annie Austin they gave me, And Annie was clever as sin. Jumper they classed her at Riley, Said she could go six feet nine; She went up to a jump and came down on her rump, Nurses are not in my line. Then I was given a draft horse, Schooled in the West Riding Hall; Splendid four-gaiter they called him… A walk, trot, stumble, and fall. He wasn't so agile and supple, But yet he could manage somehow To turn at a trot in a four-acre lot, So now he is hitched to a plow. I've applied tannic acid diluted To places not mentioned in print, I've tumbled and fallen as yu have, I've worn all my limbs in a splint. But not I've a nice new remount, And wonderful things he can do; So because you're my friend and have something to spend I'd like to sell him to you. |
Subject: RE: BS: Frank Crummit ? From: GUEST,Dewey Date: 28 Jun 02 - 03:23 AM Don't Know Much Info. Would Highly Recommend the Frank Crumit tune, "The Parlor is a Pleasant Place" Neat Song, Cute Poem. Awesome Accordian! A Real Hoot!! Dewey |
Subject: RE: BS: Frank Crummit ? From: Dave Bryant Date: 28 Jun 02 - 04:31 AM Will someone please post the words to the "Prune Song" - I know about half of it, but it would be nice to fil in the gaps. |
Subject: RE: BS: Frank Crummit ? From: GUEST,MCP Date: 28 Jun 02 - 06:17 AM Dave if you type the word Prune into the Filter box and set Age to 3 years, you'll find 2 threads from 2000 with the words in. Mick |
Subject: RE: Frank Crummit ? (Frank Crumit) From: GUEST,hughmcgolf@aol.UK Date: 18 Aug 05 - 11:25 AM Does anyone know the words of the Frank Crumit song "Barnacle Bill the Sailor" - I think that was the title but perhaps its not PC any more. It started by him singing in a high/light voice "Who'se that knocking at my door, cried the fair young maiden" and it continued with him singing in a deep voice "Its Barnacle Bill from over the sea says Barnacle Bill the sailor". I don't really know any more but it was a very funny song. Thanks. Hugh |
Subject: Lyr Add: THE PRUNE SONG (compiled version) From: Roger the Skiffler Date: 19 Aug 05 - 09:20 AM TO: "Whispering" Dave Bryant from Thinbles O' Hooligan (aka the Croakin' Bullfrog) If you still need those words here they are: THE PRUNE SONG (Crumit/DaCosta) Nowadays we often gaze on women over fifty Without the slightest trace Of wrinkles on their face Doctors go and take their dough to make them young and nifty But doctors I defy To tell me just why No matter how young a prune may be, it's always full of wrinkles We may get them on our face Prunes get them every place Nothing ever worries them, their life's an open book But no matter how young a prune may be, it has a worried look Every day in every way the world is getting better We've even learned to fly Days go passing by But what about the poor old prune? His life is getting wetter No wonder he can't grin In that awful stew he's in No matter how young a prune may be, it's always full of wrinkles Now we may get them here and there But prunes get them everywhere babies fret until they hear a mother's lullaby But no matter how young a prune may be, you'll never hear it cry In the kingdom of the fruits the prune is snubbed by others And they're not allowed To mingle with the crowd Though they're never on display with all their highbrow brothers They never seem to mind To this fact they are resigned No matter how young a prune may be, it's always full of wrinkles Beauty treatments always fail They've tried them all to no avail Yet other fruits are envious because they know real well No matter how poor a prune may be hot water makes it swell Peaches and bananas have that skin you love to touch But no matter how fine a prune may be it don't amount to much Prohibition bothers us but prunes don't sit and brood No matter how young a prune may be it's always getting stewed No matter how young a prune may be, it's always full of wrinkles baby prunes look like their dad Just not wrinkled, quite as bad Prunes act very kind they say when sickly people moan But no matter how kind a prune may be it has a heart of stone. RtS (I've heard a couple of FC versions of this, they differ slightly, I think I amalgamated both when I compiled this version) |
Subject: RE: Frank Crummit ? (Frank Crumit) From: The Fooles Troupe Date: 19 Aug 05 - 09:07 PM one and another version of Barnacle Bill from the Digitrad, but no mentions of Crumit as author. A search of the threads on 'Barnacle Bill' reveals 64 responses - too many for me to verify at the moment whether any contain a reference to Crumit. |
Subject: RE: Frank Crummit ? (Frank Crumit) From: Snuffy Date: 20 Aug 05 - 08:59 AM Crumit may have adapted Barnacle Bill, but it's a much older sailor's song, sometimes known as Abraham Brown. |
Subject: RE: Frank Crummit ? (Frank Crumit) From: Arkie Date: 21 Aug 05 - 12:27 AM I have found many versions of Barnacle Bill but have not seen in print the version that Glenn Ohrlin, a local cowboy singer, and a legitimate authority on western songs, sings. I first heard of Frank Crumit from Glenn and wonder if his version may have been learned from Crumit. He does the high and low parts and says the low parts are the hardest to do. His version contains the line "Did you bring me a kangaroo". |
Subject: RE: Frank Crummit ? (Frank Crumit) From: SINSULL Date: 21 Nov 05 - 05:59 PM Just found a 78RPM recording by Frank Crumit singing "Early In The Morning (Down On The Farm)". The flip side is Al Jolson singing "In Sweet September". Any takers? I found it at a church sale and couldn't leave it behind. SINS |
Subject: RE: Frank Crummit ? (Frank Crumit) From: The Fooles Troupe Date: 21 Nov 05 - 07:24 PM Frank Crumit's Book of Favourite Songs 20 complete songs words and music for Piano with ukulele accompaniment Created and Complied by FRANK CRUMIT and sung by him on Victor Records and also over the Radio assisted by his wide, Julia Sanderson Published by George T Worth & Co 112 West 44th St NY © MCMXXXII (1932) by George T Worth & Co NY A Gay Caballero A-Tale-Of-A-Ticker Abdul Abulbul Amir Billy Boy Down By The Railroad Track Figure It Out For Yourself Foolish Facts (Just a Nut Song) Frankie and Johnnie Get Away, Old Man, Get Away Granny's Old Armchair I'll Meet Her When The Sun Goes Down I'm Bettin' The Roll On Roamer King Of Borneo Low Bridge! - Everybody Down (Or Fifteen Years On The Erie Canal) Pretty Little Dear Song Of The Sea (Or The Brides' Lament) The Return Of Abdul Abulbul Amir The Return of The Gay Caballero That Old Wooden Rocker What Kind Of Noise Annoys An Oyster ~~~ Extracted from the Foreword by Frank Crumit "I wrote most of them, sometimes the words, sometimes the music. Some of them came from the distant past and have been adapted to modern use." ~~~~ |
Subject: RE: Frank Crummit ? (Frank Crumit) From: dick greenhaus Date: 21 Nov 05 - 07:30 PM Or, if you want to hear him, he's available on CD. From CAMSCO, of course. |
Subject: RE: Frank Crummit ? (Frank Crumit) From: The Fooles Troupe Date: 21 Nov 05 - 08:41 PM The book above was a Secret Santa pressie from last year. When I get more time, I will go thru each song and list who else is listed as 'words or music'. |
Subject: RE: Frank Crummit ? (Frank Crumit) From: SINSULL Date: 21 Nov 05 - 09:09 PM Wonder who that Secret Santie was...heh heh. Want the 78RPM? SINS |
Subject: RE: Frank Crummit ? (Frank Crumit) From: The Fooles Troupe Date: 22 Nov 05 - 01:53 AM I'm sure that it would not get delivered without damage. Thanks though. |
Subject: RE: Frank Crummit ? (Frank Crumit) From: GUEST,Neleh@esatclear.ie Date: 13 Jun 06 - 04:28 PM Iam looking for the words of Abdul the Bubul Amir. Can anybody help? |
Subject: RE: Frank Crummit ? (Frank Crumit) From: Mick Pearce (MCP) Date: 13 Jun 06 - 05:21 PM Neleh - if you go to the box at the top of the page that says DT Lyrics and press the Browse button beside it (leave the drop-down set to A), you'll see links to the words. Mick |
Subject: RE: Frank Crummit ? (Frank Crumit) From: Barbara Date: 13 Jun 06 - 05:27 PM Hi Nemeh, Try this clicky. Abdul Abulbul Amir One of the tricks to using the database is to use a word in the song that is unusual and is unlikely to be misspelled. Blessings, Barbara Who just bought a CD of "The Gay Caballero so she could hear what Frank Crumit sounded like. |
Subject: RE: Frank Crummit ? (Frank Crumit) From: Desert Dancer Date: 13 Oct 08 - 12:02 PM The Prune Song as performed by Frank Crumit, on YouTube!! And there's more there, of course. ~ Becky in Tucson over her breakfast prunes... |
Subject: Lyr Add: SONG OF THE PRUNE (Crumit, deCosta) From: Desert Dancer Date: 13 Oct 08 - 12:14 PM I was noticing differences in the lyrics on the YouTube and thought I'd have a go at transcribing -- then found that RReady555 who posted the video had kindly done that for us. (He does say lyrics by Harry deCosta in his notes, but in the video has it as below.) ~ B in T SONG OF THE PRUNE words Frank Crumit, music Harry deCosta Nowadays we often gaze on women over fifty Without the slightest trace Of wrinkles on their face. Doctors go and take their dough to make them young and nifty, But doctors I defy To tell me just why:
No matter how young a prune may be, it's always full of wrinkles.
That no matter how young a prune may be, it's always full of wrinkles.
No matter how young a prune may be, he's always full of wrinkles. |
Subject: RE: Frank Crummit ? (Frank Crumit) From: GUEST,John from Elsie`s Band Date: 13 Oct 08 - 12:35 PM I have a recording on tape of a BBC programme about F.C. and his music and the presenter recalls the singer was also very fond of golf, of which he wrote some songs. The one featured, and considered the best he wrote about the game, in the programme is called "Donald the Dub", excellenty performed with a decent size band and sung to the tune of "The Girl I Left Behind Me". If any one is interested let me know on hills636@btinternet.com |
Subject: RE: Frank Crummit ? (Frank Crumit) From: Will Fly Date: 14 Oct 08 - 11:19 AM And as performed by a Mudcatter (same words): The Song Of The Prune (I was young and foolish...). |
Subject: RE: Frank Crummit ? (Frank Crumit) From: The Fooles Troupe Date: 14 Oct 08 - 11:55 PM "assisted by his wide, Julia Sanderson" er, WIFE - not sure just how wide she was... |
Subject: RE: Frank Crummit ? (Frank Crumit) From: Ross Campbell Date: 16 Oct 08 - 12:27 AM Ron Baxter (SailorRon) gave his inimitable version of Kipling's "The Ladies" (no concessions to political correctness) at Fleetwood Folk Club (The Steamer) a couple of weeks ago. The tune possibly comes from Peter Bellamy's setting of the song, although I first heard the song in the early '70s, which may have been before Peter's version existed (and he may have used a pre-existing tune - I wouldn't be at all surprised if Peter Bellamy knew Frank Crumit's repertoire.) The last line sounds about the same as the Glenn Ohrlin link above. Ross |
Subject: Lyr Add: I'M A SPECIALIST (from Frank Crumit) From: Jim Dixon Date: 24 Sep 10 - 02:58 PM You can find an mp3 file of this song here (or click to play). Here's my transcription. A few words are missing or doubtful, marked by "(?)." I would appreciate any help with them. The whole thing is done in a sort of "down-east" or Maine accent (that's what it sounds like to me, anyway). Only verses 1-3 and 10 are sung; the rest are recited rhythmically to music. I'M A SPECIALIST Words, Charles (Chic) Sale. Music, Nels Bitterman. As recorded by Frank Crumit, 1931, Victor 22859. 1. My name is Lemuel Putt. I'm a 'spector(?) and nothin' else but. Maybe you've all heard tell 'Bout the fella makes a building so well. 2. I'm a carpenter by trade. I make everything that's ever been made, But now I build one thing, And as a builder I am suddenly king. 3. I'm a specialist, and a gosh-dern good one, too. I'm a specialist, and I'll tell you what I do. Now I build people necessary things, Not airyplanes that flies around in rings, But we need 'em a durn sight(?) worse than wings I'm a specialist. 4. Now one day Elmer Ridgeway come to me and he says, "Hmm! Now looky here. I want you to build me a buildin' that will last from year to year." So out to Elmer's place I goes to look things over, every foot. Company's there, so I just yell, "Hey, Elmer, where do you want 'er put?" 5. Well, Elmer says, "My problem is to put 'er where she'll handy be. Now I been thinkin' that I would build 'er right underneath my apple tree." But I says, "Elmer, listen to me. Now don't you be a silly goof. Nothin's quite so bad as hearin' apples droppin' on your roof. 6. "Just have your path go past the woodpile to the house right in a straight line. Now, if you'll do just as I tell you, everything will turn out fine. For every trip they'll gather wood, which is a gosh-almighty boon, For on a good day, why, you will have your derned old wood box filled by noon. 7. "The upkeep's practically nothin'. The cost is cut right to the bone. You will never have to worry as long as Sears Roebuck keeps a-goin'. Someone asked me, 'Lem, what is the average life of this here book?' Now there's a problem that I have studied. Time an' trouble I have took. 8. "New book's out in January, and say you get it on New Year's Day. Well, you should reach the harness section somewheres round the fust of May. And how do you want your door to open? Swingin' in or swingin' out? I'd say have 'er swingin' in and save your mind a lot o' doubt. 9. "Just say you're meditatin' peaceful, the air an' sunlight beatin' in, S'pose you hear someone a-comin' down the pathway fast as sin. If your door swings in, why, all you got to do is to kick 'er shut, But if she swings out, huh! You're caught there, sure as my name's Lemuel Putt." 10. I'm a specialist, and a gosh-dern good one, too. I'm a specialist, and I'll tell you what I do. Now ever since Eve et that Northern Spy, There's time folks likes to shun the public eye, So a much needed blessing I supply. I'm a specialist. |
Subject: Lyr Add: MOUNTAIN GREENERY (Hart/Rodgers) From: Jim Dixon Date: 24 Sep 10 - 07:41 PM You can find an mp3 file of this song on this page (or click to play). Note: a version by Ella Fitzgerald can also be found on that page, but it's less complete than this one. This is not the kind of novelty song Frank Crumit is usually remembered for, but this song does contain some clever rhymes. MOUNTAIN GREENERY Words, Lorenz Hart. Music, Richard Rodgers. From The Garrick Gaieties of 1926. As recorded by Frank Crumit. On the first of May, It is moving day. Spring is here, so blow your job, Throw your job away. Now's the time to trust To your wanderlust. In the city's dust you wait. Must you wait? Just you wait! In a mountain greenery, Where God paints the scenery, Just two crazy people together. While you love your lover, let Blue skies be your coverlet. When it rains, we'll laugh at the weather. And if you're good, I'll search for wood So you can cook While I stand look—ing. Beans could get no keener re- Ception in a beanery. Bless our mountain greenery home! In a mountain greenery, Where God paints the scenery, Just two crazy people together. How we love sequestering Where no pests are pestering. No dear ma to hold us in tether Mosquitoes here Won't bite you, dear. I'll let them sting Me on the fing—er. We could find no cleaner re- Treat from life's machinery Than our mountain greenery home. When the world was young, old Father Adam with sin would grapple, So we're entitled to just one apple. I mean to make applesauce. Underneath the bough, we'll learn a lesson from Mister Omar.* Beneath the eyes of no pa and no ma[r], Old lady nature is boss. And if you're good, I'll search for wood So you can cook While I stand look—ing. Beans could get no keener re- Ception in a beanery. Bless our mountain greenery home! [* Omar Khayyam, author of this much-quoted quatrain, in Fitzgerald's translation: A Book of Verses underneath the Bough, A Jug of Wine, a Loaf of Bread—and Thou Beside me singing in the Wilderness— Oh, Wilderness were Paradise enow! |
Subject: RE: Frank Crummit? / Frank Crumit From: GUEST Date: 24 Sep 10 - 07:50 PM Jim- Lorenz Hart did a lot of very clever lyrics. |
Subject: Lyr Add: I MARRIED THE BOOTLEGGER'S DAUGHTER From: Jim Dixon Date: 24 Sep 10 - 08:23 PM You can find a playable recording of this song at SkreemR.org. I MARRIED THE BOOTLEGGER'S DAUGHTER Words and music by Frank Crumit. As recorded by Frank Crumit, June 10, 1925, Victor 19739. One day just by chance, At a cabdriver's dance, A wonderful girlie I found: A bootlegger's daughter Who always drank water Unless there was liquor around. So I married the bootlegger's daughter, And really it isn't so bad. I work all the day, But it's nothing but play, Just taking out orders for Dad. I know that the stuff's full of poison, But me and my sweetie won't die. When we want a drink, We go out to the sink, The bootlegger's daughter and I. When I asked her to wed, "Go to father," she said. "He's down at the still making gin." Said he, "It's with joy That I welcome you, boy. Just hang up your hat and come in." So I married the bootlegger's daughter, And she was a terrible quince. I kissed her goodnight Where the moonlight was bright, And I've been on a jag ever since. They say that her money is tainted, Though it ain't quite as taint as they say. She came with a breath That would scare you to death, But Listerine took it away. So I married the bootlegger's daughter, And now I'm just rolling in dough. The way she drinks gin Is a terrible sin, But girls will be girls, as you know. Prohibition's the least of our worries, Though the whole bloomin' world may go dry. Her dad made his will And he left the old still To the bootlegger's daughter and I. Oh, hail, hail, the gang's all here. Mustn't say the naughty word. Mustn't say the naughty word. I'm meeting the very best people And moving in high society. Tonight the Mexican consul Is bathing the tonsil With the bootlegger's daughter and me. |
Subject: RE: Frank Crummit? / Frank Crumit From: Steve Gardham Date: 25 May 12 - 03:51 PM Interesting, Eboy. Is this one of Frank's stories? |
Subject: RE: Frank Crummit? / Frank Crumit From: kendall Date: 25 May 12 - 11:52 PM hen I added that Abdul a bul bul amir sequel to the DT, I didn't know that it was a Frank Crummit song. Very clever. |
Subject: RE: Frank Crummit? / Frank Crumit From: GUEST,Anna Bennett Date: 01 Apr 13 - 02:59 AM When Arthur Godfrey was a guest on television in the late 1950s, Frank Crumit's photo was shown as one of the people responsible for giving Arthur Godfrey his start on his radio show program. Frank Crumit introduced Arthur Godfrey to radio and the ukelele. The Frank Crummit and Julia Sanderson radio show was a forerunner of Arthur Godfrey. |
Subject: Lyr Add: AND THEN HE TOOK UP GOLF (from F Crumit) From: Jim Dixon Date: 01 Apr 13 - 10:03 AM AND THEN HE TOOK UP GOLF As sung by Frank Crumit on "Frank Crumit Returns (1920-1938)" He was a stylish handsome chap, Had the world right in his lap. His manners and his smile were simply charming. His clothes were always neat, Quite successful and discreet. His life was so complete 'twas quite alarming. And then he took up golf. Now he wanders round at night, Only waiting till it's light So he can take his clubs and start to play. It costs him plenty every time. When he wins, it's just a dime. His bankroll's getting slimmer every day. He wears socks of baby blue, Ties and shirts of every hue. His color scheme would make a bluebird scoff. Some good friend should take a rifle, For he is an awful eyeful Ever since he took up golf. [Spoken:] And married men play golf, too. He was a wonderful family man, Doing all a husband can To keep his wife and children awfully happy. He lived for them alone And never left his own hearthstone, Just an all-American pappy. And then he took up golf [pronounced here "golluff"]. Now at night his family wait. Cook is sore; the dinner's late, And often now he doesn't come at all. There is sulfur in the air. He's as cheerful as a bear As they hear him kick a hat-rack in the hall. There's a wild look in his eyes As he curses, groans, or sighs And throws a plate at Jenny, Bill, or Rolf. In his sleep he pans his caddy. Oh, he's quite a different daddy Ever since he took up golf. Now when shadows start to creep, He comes home and wants to sleep. His family hardly see him anymore. His face is awfully dour, And his manner very sour. He keeps mumbling and grumbling 'bout his score. His kids say now and then: "Mama, here's that man again. We knew him when he took his sweater off." There are brambles in his hair And his sand is everywhere Ever since he took up golf. |
Subject: Lyr Add: ANTONIO PASQUALE RAMONIO (Frank Crumit) From: Jim Dixon Date: 01 Apr 13 - 11:14 AM ANTONIO PASQUALE RAMONIO As sung by Frank Crumit on "Vintage Recordings 1926-1938" Did you ever meet Tony Ramonio? In his country the call him a Romeo. All the girls they grow craze' Through one look in the faze Of Antony Pasquale Ramonio. He wears ties just the shade of pistachio, With a great big ferocious mustachio, And a watch-chain so large, Stretched across his garage, That spells three-ninety-eight in cold cash-io. He sings opera from Faust to Il Trovatore. You can hear him from Naples to Singapore. When he first hit Broadway, He let loose his high A, And he broke all the lights in the semaphore. He went up for a test on the radio, To sing Ave Maria with a lady-o, But the strength of his breath Nearly scared her to death. That's the last test that he ever made-io. Now Pasquale was always a struggler. And one day he got a tip from a juggler. His mustache it could hide Twenty people inside, So he landed a job as a smuggler. He made three trips a week into Canada. He would pose as a well-to-do janita, And in less than a year, He made ten thousand clear, Which he lost on a horse called Armanada. In the opera his name was notorious, So they gave him a part that was glorious, But he tried to be choice, Used a falsetto voice, And they shoved him right back in the chorius. Now since Pasquale lost all of his money-o, He found life over here was no honey-o, So he packed up today And he's sailing away To the land of his birth where it's sunny-o. |
Subject: Lyr Add: DONALD THE DUB (from Frank Crumit) From: Jim Dixon Date: 01 Apr 13 - 12:01 PM DONALD THE DUB As sung by Frank Crumit on "1930 in Music, Vol. 2" Tune: "The Girl I Left Behind Me." Listen to the tale of a stalwart male Who lost his well-known nanny. Donald was his name and golf was the game That made him as grey as his granny. He practiced much but his style was such That his handicap stayed at thirty. Oh, the words he'd use when the ball he'd bruise Were nothing else than dirty. In the locker-room every night, He'd sing of his awful plight: "Oh, the dirty little pill went rollin' down the hill And rolled right into a bunker. From there to the green I took thirteen, And then by gosh I sunk 'er. I get no fun in the air and sun But down in the traps I labor. I sweat and weep where the sand is deep Till I want to murder my neighbor." There was one great day that came his way. His score he was sure to diminish. Never had such form, then up came a storm. He was never able to finish. He had a slice that was far from nice. From him it never parted. Once he hit a shot, believe it or not, That came right back where it started. Do you wonder that he groans And sighs and wails and moans? "Oh, the dirty little pill went rollin' down the hill And rolled into the water, And the reason, it would seem, I lifted my bean When I know that I shouldn't oughter. Then I hit a shot that I liked a lot, But it sailed right into the marshes, And I wished right then like a lot of other men That I had worn my galoshes." Now Donald the Dub joined a country club And he found a fellow duffer Just as mad as he, so with shouts of glee, They started out to suffer. They played nine holes and the poor little moles Were never scared so badly, For the divots flew and the cuss-words too And the birds and the bees left gladly. As the end of the day drew nigh, Came a song that was sung with a sigh: "Oh, the dirty little pill went rollin' down the hill And rolled right into the clubhouse. When I got there with sand in my hair. They'd changed its name to the Dub House I've wrecked more ground than Columbus found, And the guy that I am after Is the crazy Scot who invented this plot That's robbed all the world of laughter." Now Donald the Dub broke club after club As he told the world goodbye, For he suffered every hour when his game went sour, Even as you and I. |
Subject: Lyr Add: DOWN BY THE RAILROAD TRACK (Frank Crumit) From: Jim Dixon Date: 01 Apr 13 - 12:41 PM DOWN BY THE RAILROAD TRACK As sung by Frank Crumit on "Frank Crumit Returns (1920-1938)" I had a girl named Annabel; she thought the world of me, But for some cause her family and I could not agree, And if I called there at her house, 'twas sure to start a fight, So for that reason we would take a walk each Wednesday night Down by the railroad track, Down by the railroad track. I'd hold her hand and she'd hold mine, Down by the railroad track. Some people spoon in parlor chairs and some in Ford sedans, But Annabel and I we had to make some other plans. We couldn't use the parlor, and we had no Ford, you see, So every Wednesday night you'd find sweet Annabel and me Down by the railroad track, Down by the railroad track. We'd sit for hours and hours and hours Down by the railroad track. I courted her for seven months until one summer's day Her father found it out and then there was the deuce to pay. He said, "Young man, come here to me; I want a word with you." And where do you think I found myself when finally I came to? Down by the railroad track, Down by the railroad track. The birds were singing merrily Down by the railroad track. We're married now and settled down with children of our own. Across the door there hangs a sign that says: "God bless our home." Both she and I take walks each night, but up and down the floor To try and get the kids to sleep; we never walk no more Down by the railroad track, Down by the railroad track. I wonder who is there tonight, Down by the railroad track? It seems to me the big events that happened in my life— Like smoking my first cigarette, proposing to my wife— All happened in the selfsame place; 'twas sure a jinx to me, And still there's couples there each day; they call it heavenly, Down by the railroad track, Down by the railroad track. That's where I lost my liberty: Down by the railroad track. The other day our little girl said: "Mama, tell me do: If good girls go to heaven, do the bad girls go there too?" "No, just good girls go to heaven, dear," the mother softly sighed. "Then, mama, where do the bad girls go?" And Annabel replied: "Down by the railroad track. Down by the railroad track. Now run and play and don't you stray Down by the railroad track." |
Subject: Lyr Add: GET AWAY, OLD MAN, GET AWAY (Frank Crumit From: Jim Dixon Date: 01 Apr 13 - 03:40 PM My transcription from this YouTube recording: GET AWAY, OLD MAN, GET AWAY As sung by Frank Crumit on HMV E A 88. 1. Now listen, all you maidens about to choose a man: Don't take one who is ancient; get a young one if you can. CHORUS: For an old man he is old; for an old man he is grey, But a young man's heart is full of love; get away, old man; get away. 2. If you marry an old man, now list to what I say: You're sure to meet a young man who'll steal your heart away. 3. Be sure to get a young man with a red and rosy cheek. Don't get a man with a cane in his hand whose back is very weak. 4. I'd rather marry a young man with a pocket lined with silk Than to marry an old man with a hundred cows to milk. 5. I'd sooner marry a young man with an apple in his hand Than to marry an old man with a hundred acres of land. 6. Don't ever marry an old man; I'll tell you the reason why: His lips are all tobacco juice and his chin is never dry. Get away; get away; get away. Get away; get away; get away. Shoo, fly; don't bother me; shoo, fly; don't bother me. Get away, old man; get away. [Also recorded on 78-rpm records by Harry Carpenter, Vernon Dalhart, Honey Duke & His Uke, Arthur Fields, Dick Hanlon, Jimmy May, Charlie Newman, Carson Robison, Floyd Thompson & Hometowners] |
Subject: Lyr Add: I CAN'T STAND SITTIN' IN A CELL (F.Crumit From: Jim Dixon Date: 01 Apr 13 - 04:13 PM I CAN'T STAND SITTIN' IN A CELL As sung by Frank Crumit on "Frank Crumit Returns (1920-1938)" I'm writin' you this letter, my sweet forget-me-not, To tell you that I cannot keep that date. They've stuck me in the hoosegow for forty-seven years, And I'd hate to see you stand around and wait. The place is nice and cozy; you can't get out of that. For ninety years they've had no prison break, And the food is very tasty; the guards are all polite, But there's one complaint I really have to make: Oh, I can't stand sittin' in a cell. No, I can't stand sittin' in a cell. When I stand, I hit the ceiling. When I sit, I hurt my feeling. I can't stand sittin' in a cell. I'm takin' music lessons; I'm in the prison band. Well, anyhow, I'll tell you all the facts. The sheriff told the jury he saw me blow a safe, So they took his word and now I blow a sax. They say that I'm a genius and the warden thinks I'm great. He has me playin' morning night and noon. He wants to hear me render a solo on a saw, So if he gets me a saw, I'll see you soon. Oh, I can't stand sittin' in a cell. No, I can't stand sittin' in a cell. Though I stood a hard-boiled egg up, Even stood a wooden leg up, I can't stand sittin' in a cell. I dug myself a tunnel to make a getaway. I had to be as quiet as a mouse. And I landed in a cellar, and when I looked around, I discovered I was in the warden's house. And the warden came a-runnin; a gun was in his hand. He saw the hole when he turned on the light. And he dove into the tunnel and he hollered, "You're a pal, Cause my wife was gonna keep me in tonight." Oh, I can't stand sittin' in a cell. No, I can't stand sittin' in a cell. I can stand a lot o' callus On my feet, but goodnight, Alice! I can't stand sittin' in a cell. |
Subject: Lyr Add: DOLAN'S POKER PARTY (from Frank Crumit) From: Jim Dixon Date: 01 Apr 13 - 08:46 PM DOLAN'S POKER PARTY As sung by Frank Crumit on "Vintage Recordings 1926-1938" Four aces and a joker Is a lovely hand at poker. All the money in the pot is yours accordin' to the law. Though I never like to gamble, Let me say without preamble That I am a trifle partial to a quiet game o' draw. On Thursday night, McCarty Organized a poker party. There was Dolan, Martin, Doyle, and Riley, six of us in all. Oh, the game was very quiet But it ended in a riot. Sure they overturned the stove and smashed the pictures on the wall. Listen and I'll tell ye how the trouble did begin: Dolan opened up a pot and three of us went in. 'Twas opened for a quarter, and when Dolan won the pot, He counted it and found that sixty cents was all he got. Oh-ho-ho-ho-ho! For Dolan got excited And declared that he would right it. He got up and intimated he was ready for a bout. Then he reached for Riley's Galways* Which he carried with him always, And before we could prevent it, he had plucked a handful out. Just to keep the ball a-rollin', I declared meself a Dolan. Sure they threw me on the floor an' slammed the stove upon me back. You should 'a' seen the lot of noses. They looked like a bunch of roses. That's the luck I had the night that Dolan opened up the jack. All the furniture was broken, And I carry yet a token Of the luck I had the night that Dolan opened up the jack. - - - [* I don't know what this refers to—unless he means Gauloises?] |
Subject: Lyr Add: MY GIRL RAN AWAY (from Frank Crumit) From: Jim Dixon Date: 01 Apr 13 - 10:40 PM MY GIRL RAN AWAY As sung by Frank Crumit on "Vintage Recordings 1926-1938" Little Petey has lost his sweetie. Someone stole her away. Her misbehaving has sent him raving. He keeps crying all day: My girl ran away with a baker. I found out she kneaded his dough. Somewhere in the yeast he will take her, Though he is not well-bread I know. He has lots of crust and he carries a bun. It was pie for that guy to steal my own sweet one. My girl ran away with a baker. He's made a big loafer of me. My girl ran away with a shoe-man. I'm sad 'cause he's filling my shoe. I had a defeet by the shoe-man. Now each day my size makes me blue. Though my French vamp kid said she'd stick to the last, Made a rip in my sole that I know won't heel fast. My girl ran away with a shoe-man. I hope they will always have spats. My girl ran away with an oil-man. She did not treat me well at that. She is too refined for the oil-man, But he gushed till he made her fall. Though he is as crude as a Mexican peat, With his own standard line of gas, he had me beat. My girl ran away with an oil-man. The oily bird catches the worm. My girl ran away with a butcher. Now I can't meat her every night. She went to Hamburg with the butcher. Oh, why did I liver from my side? Though I live on the vegetarian plan, I would be a real cannibal to meat that man. My girl ran away with a butcher. Oh, I lung for my heart every day. My girl ran away with a dentist. He yanked my tootsie right away. She sits on the bridge with a dentist. Oh, I'd like to crown him some fine day. Although she is false, there's none can fill her place. She's made an impression that I can't erase. My girl ran away with a dentist. Oh, I hope that he gets pyorrhea. My girl ran away with the army. Maybe with the navy she's gone. I know she'll be true to the army, For her love is too strong for one. She kisses her friends, only turns others down, But she hasn't an enemy at all in the town. My girl ran away with the army. Prepare for another big war. |
Subject: RE: Frank Crummit? / Frank Crumit From: Sanjay Sircar Date: 02 Apr 13 - 04:18 AM What were the stories that Frank Crum(m)it recorded, as mentioned above, please? (I assume these were spokem. not sung ballads.) Sanjay Sircar |
Subject: Lyr Add: NETTIE IS THE NITWIT OF THE NETWORKS From: Jim Dixon Date: 02 Apr 13 - 10:00 AM NETTIE IS THE NITWIT OF THE NETWORKS As sung by Frank Crumit on "Vintage Recordings 1926-1938" In the old Virginia mountains lived a gal named Nettie Grey, And Nettie was a numskull, you can bet. Her pa and ma and kin-folk wanted to give her away, But no one wanted any truck with Net. For she was stupid, she was goofy, and she rambled wild and free, Until one day a stranger hit the hills. He was a radio comedian with no more sense than she, And he lured her with a bunch of dollar bills. Now Nettie is the nitwit of the networks. She's goofy still, but also dirty rich. For in the bug-house they were shovin' her. Now she earns more than the governor. Oh, Nettie is the nitwit of the networks. When the hill folks of Virginia first heard that Net was gone, They said, "Thank goodness we are rid of her. We'd hate to have to put her in the bug-house all her life, But folks like Net is what bug-houses are fer." Oh, the old Virginia hills they were quiet for a spell. No more they heard poor Nettie's goofy crow. But alas the stillness one night was shattered with a crash, And there was Net upon the radio. Now Nettie is the nitwit of the networks, And her folks all wish that they were crazy too. She lived on cheese and crackers. Now she earns a million smackers, For Nettie is the nitwit of the networks. In a penthouse on Park Avenue our nitwit Nettie sat, And the tear-drops still come out her goofy eye. Her pappy and her mammy said, "Have you left Virginia flat? Is it thinking of them hills that make you cry?" Nettie wiped her eyes upon her gold-embroidered sleeve, And whispered, "All you folks can have my part. Of all the old Virginia hills and the lakes and rivers too, It's that income tax that really breaks my heart." Now Nettie is the nitwit of the networks, Between her family and Uncle Sam. Not for home is she a-yearnin'. It's the tax that's got her burnin', For Nettie is the nitwit of the networks. |
Subject: Lyr Add: PALESTEENA (from Frank Crumit) From: Jim Dixon Date: 02 Apr 13 - 11:57 AM From the sheet music at The Archive of Popular Music at UCLA: PALESTEENA Words and music by Con Conrad and J. Russel Robinson New York: Shapiro, Bernstein & Co. Inc., ©1920. 1. In the Bronx of New York City Lives a girl; she's not so pretty. Lena is her name. Such a clever girl is Lena! How she plays a concertina! Really it's a shame. She's such a good musician, She got a swell position, To go across the sea to entertain, And so they shipped poor Lena 'Way out to Palesteena, But now I hear that she don't look the same. CHORUS: They say that Lena is the Queen o' Palesteena, Just because they like her concertina. She plays it day and night. She plays with all her might. She never gets it right, But how they love it, Want more of it! I heard 'er Play once or twice. Oh, murder! Still it was nice. She was fat but she got leaner Pushing on her concertina, Down old Palesteena way. 2. Lena's girlfriend Arabella Let her meet an Arab fella. She thought he was grand. On a camel's back a-swayin', You could hear Miss Lena playin' O'er the desert sand. She didn't play such new ones, For all she knew were blue ones. Still, Yousoff sat and listened by his tent, And as he tried to kiss her, She heard that Arab whisper, "Oh! Lena, how I love your instrument." CHORUS: They say that Lena is the Queen o' Palesteena, Just because they like her concertina. Each movement of her wrist Just makes them shake and twist. They simply can't resist. Her music funny Gets the money. There's nottin' Sounds like it should So rotten, It's really good. All the girls there dress like Lena. Some wear oatmeal, some farina, Down old Palesteena way. * * * [When Frank Crumit recorded this, he sang the chorus this way:] CHORUS: They say that Lena is the Queen o' Palesteena, Just because she plays the concertina. She only knows one song. She plays it all day long. Sometimes she plays it wrong, But how they love it, Want more of it! I heard 'er Play once or twice. Oh, murder! Still it was nice. All the girls there dress like Lena. Some wear oatmeal, some farina, Down old Palesteena way. [Crumit's recording is on "Frank Crumit Returns (1920-1938)"] |
Subject: Lyr Add: STUMBLING (Zez Confrey) From: Jim Dixon Date: 03 Apr 13 - 01:03 AM From the sheet music at the Archive of Popular Music at UCLA: STUMBLING Words and music by Zez Confrey New York: Leo. Feist, Inc., ©1922. 1. 'Tention, folks; speak of jokes, This is one on me: Took my gal to a dance At the Armory. Music played, dancers swayed, Then we joined the crowd. I can't dance, took a chance, And right then we started: CHORUS: Stumbling all around, stumbling all around, stumbling all around, So funny, Stumbling here and there, stumbling ev'rywhere, and I must declare, I stepped right on her toes, And when she bumped my nose, I fell, and when I rose, I felt ashamed, And told her: That's the latest step, that's the latest step, that's the latest step, My honey, Notice all the pep, notice all the pep, notice all the pep. She said, "Stop mumbling, Though you are stumbling, I like it just a little bit, just a little bit, quite a little bit." 2. Young and small, short and tall, Folks 'most ev'rywhere, Take a chance; do this dance. They think it's a bear. People rave and they crave Just to do this step. Off they go, nice and slow, When the band starts playing: CHORUS [Billy Murray and Frank Crumit each did vocal versions of this song, but I think most people will find it more familiar as an instrumental, performed by Lawrence Welk or by Les Paul & Mary Ford.] |
Subject: Lyr Add: THANKS FOR THE BUGGY RIDE (Buffano) From: Jim Dixon Date: 03 Apr 13 - 09:15 AM THANKS FOR THE BUGGY RIDE Words and music by Jules Buffano, ©1925 As sung by Frank Crumit on "Roaring 20's Revue Vol. 3" The other day I took a ride, but not in a machine. It was a buggy ride With my sweetie by my side. Now making love going fifty miles an hour Don't compare with a one-horse power. Many cars I tried, But give me a buggy ride. Thanks for the buggy ride. Thanks for the buggy ride. I had a wonderful time. No smell of gasoline, Just and old-fashioned team. It was a wonderful treat To hear the patter of horses' feet. My bones were nearly broke. I took it as a joke. It was all new to me, 'Cause I was used to riding in a big limousine, But buggy-ridin' lovin' sure beats any machine. Now although I lost my pride, Thanks for the buggy ride. I had a wonderful time. Now since I took that buggy ride, that's all I want to do. No more machine for me, Takin' chances hittin' a tree. Let me give you some sensible advice: A buggy ride is awfully nice. Though it's not in style, The ride sure is worthwhile. Thanks for the buggy ride. Thanks for the buggy ride. I had a wonderful time. I like to smell the hay And watch the chickens play. I crave the colorful scene Where pigs are gamboling on the green. He set an awful pace. He couldn't win the race From an old-fashioned snail. I never never knew a horse could be so good in the dark. He must 'a' found a hundred diff'rent places to park. Why, gosh-durn his pesky hide. Thanks for the buggy ride. I had a wonderful time. Thanks for the buggy ride. Thanks for the buggy ride. I had a wonderful time. No smell of gasoline, Just and old-fashioned team. It was a wonderful treat To hear the patter of horses' feet. My bones were nearly broke. I took it as a joke. It was all new to me. These fellas with their motorcycles hand me a laugh. The girlie in the tub was like a-takin' a bath. Still, I'm more than satisfied. Thanks for the buggy ride. I had a wonderful time. Wait for the wagon; wait for the wagon. Wait for the wagon; we'll all take a ride. [The last 2 lines are quoted from another song.] * * * [I transcribed the following lines from a recording by The Dinning Sisters; it can be heard on "Back in Country Style," "Country Favorites," and "The Very Best of the Dinning Sisters."] We'd hear the clop, clop, clop of the horse's feet Wherever we would go, And people we would meet As we were riding down the street Would say: "Look! A horse! What do you know?" Thanks for the buggy ride. Thanks for the buggy ride. I had a wonderful time. No need of shifting gears. We didn't even have to steer. When we said giddy-ap, The horse would hurry up. No automatic clutch. We didn't miss it much 'Cause we were havin' such fun. On a horse-an'-buggy ride you kind o' get chummy. It's much more fun than playin' gin rummy. Thanks for the buggy ride. I had a wonderful time. [Other recordings available on Spotify are by Percival Mackey and His Band, and by Burl Ives.] |
Subject: Lyr Add: THE DASHING MARINE (from Frank Crumit) From: Jim Dixon Date: 03 Apr 13 - 03:35 PM THE DASHING MARINE As sung by Frank Crumit on "Frank Crumit Returns (1920-1938)" How happy was I when my darling Marie Gave me her promise my bride she would be, And live in a one-room apartment with me, Like two little birds in a tree; But my love-dream was shattered when one fateful day— Oh, could I have only foreseen!— While sitting with her in a gilded cafe, She made eyes at a dashing marine. When he saw Marie, it was all up with me. My romance blew up like a dream. I knew I was through when Marie got a view Of this mashing and dashing marine. I called her up daily to go for a stroll, But she was that devil-dog's, body and soul, So I took an oath that the burglar who stole My sweetheart should die right away. I purchased a pistol, a sword, and a knife, And some cyanide tablets to boot, And I set out determined to take his foul life. I'd stab or I'd poison or shoot. But when I got there, the apartment was bare. Oh, picture this terrible scene! I then found a note: "Love and kisses," he wrote, From Mr. and Mrs. Marine." I went to his colonel, and to my dismay, I found he'd deserted the previous day, And with my Marie he was well on his way To ports that were festive and gay. Days ran into months and the months into years. Not a sign of my foe did I see, And after a while I began to have fears That no vengeance was coming to me. One night in the movies I saw on the screen A prize-winning fam'ly with children eighteen, And right in the center, all fat and serene, Sat Mr. and Mrs. Marine. My quest was now ended, but strange to relate, All gone were those feelings of malice and hate. Of that dashing marine and his home-loving mate, My thoughts were delightful and nice. I sighed with relief for no life would I take. My conscience would ever be free. As I threw all my weapons out into the lake, A peace settled down upon me. When I saw Marie with a child on each knee, And counted her children eighteen, I knew then and there that at last I was square With that mashing and dashing marine. |
Subject: RE: Frank Crummit? / Frank Crumit From: Ron Davies Date: 04 Apr 13 - 08:06 AM Wow, Jim, what a trove! Thanks. |
Subject: Lyr Add: WHOA, JOSEPHINE! (from Frank Crumit) From: Jim Dixon Date: 04 Apr 13 - 10:11 AM WHOA, JOSEPHINE! Written by Benjamin H. Burt & Frank Crumit. As sung by Frank Crumit on "Vintage Recordings 1926-1938" The slickest horse I ever seen Was my old gray mare Josephine. When her old feet flew down the street, She had all the other horses beat. She couldn't see for good, for she had only one good eye, But she could see enough, b'gee, to let no horse go by. When Josephine stuck up her tail and hit her reg'lar stride, 'Twa'n't possibill to keep 'er still, or stop 'er if you tried. "Whoa, Josephine!" all the neighbors cried, But the more they yelled at her to whoa, The faster that old nag would go. Whoa, Josephine! Well, I declare! Until she'd drop, you couldn't stop the old gray mare. One day I rode the old gray mare Over to the county fair. She stood as peaceful as a lamb Until the races they began, And then, b'gosh, she jumped the fence and started round the track, And she kept on goin' round and round with me upon her back. They tried to head off Josephine but it was all in vain. She'd wave her tail and then she'd sail around the track again. "Whoa, Josephine!" ev'rybody cried. When she'd go past the judges' stand, She'd bow and keep step with the band. Whoa, Josephine! Well, I declare! She lost a shoe, but on she flew, the old gray mare. When Ringling's circus give their show, I says to ma, "B'gosh, we'll go!" So ma puts on her grenadine, And I hitched up old Josephine. The old horse eyed the street parade and she never moved a speck, But when an elephant tried to wind his trunk around her neck, She kicked the dashboard all to "well" and started for the farm, And she hardly hit the road a bit till she was in the barn. "Whoa, Josephine!" ev'rybody cried. When she flew by the village store, She looked, b'gosh, like Man o' War! Whoa, Josephine! Well, I declare! Right home she run, that son of a gun, that old gray mare. |
Subject: Lyr Add: TALE OF THE TICKER (O'Brien/Crumit) From: GUEST,Mark Date: 19 Apr 13 - 03:42 PM TALE OF THE TICKER music by Frank Crumit and lyrics by Frank O'Brien (written in September, 1929 - a month or two before the crash) This little pig went to market, where they buy and sell the stocks. This little pig came home again, with his system full of shocks. I don't understand their language, don't know what it's all about, For a bull buys up and a bear sells down and a broker sells you out. [Chorus] And here is the song they sing the whole day long: Oh! the market's not so good today; your stocks look kind of sick. In fact they all drop down a point each time the tickers tick. We'll have to have more margin now; there isn't any doubt, So you better dash with a load of cash, or we'll have to sell you out. The stock exchange is a funny place; it's the strangest place in town. The seats cost half a million cash, but the brokers won't sit down. There's the broker, the bull, and bear; it's queer but it's not a joke, For you get the bull till your bank-roll's bare and the broker says you're broke. [Chorus] The market simply goes to prove that we still have loco weeds, For the bull buys what he doesn't want, and the bear sells what he needs. I bought an elevator stock, and thought that I'd done well, And the little bears all ran down-stairs and rang the basement bell. [Chorus] |
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