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11 Sep 08 - 11:17 PM (#2437976) Subject: Lyr Req: I took my organ to the party From: Fairlyhonestjohn Does anybody know the lyrics to:
Everybody was jolly and hearty but I wasn't feeling so gay I felt so embarassed when I heard someone say I wonder if that broken down organ can play. This was on a record somewhere about 1940, along with a song called "The Sons of Beaches always married Bassetts" and another one "She had to go and lose it at the Astor" Any help from a mudcat member would very much be appreciated. |
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12 Sep 08 - 04:34 AM (#2438117) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I took my organ to the party From: Micca FHJ, I am fairly sure the song you seek was sung by Gracie Fields and was called I TOOK MY HARP TO A PARTY - lyrics here |
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12 Sep 08 - 04:43 AM (#2438124) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I took my organ to the party From: John MacKenzie Micca is correct, and here is the 'She Had to Go and Lose It at the Astor', that you also mentioned. JM |
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12 Sep 08 - 01:22 PM (#2438519) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I took my organ to the party From: Fairlyhonestjohn Thanks for all your help with my request. They ARE the correct ones. Trust me, fairlyhonestjohn |
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12 Sep 08 - 06:29 PM (#2438796) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I took my organ to the party From: GUEST,folkbloke What a hilarious lyric. Anyone know the tune? |
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12 Sep 08 - 06:40 PM (#2438807) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I took my organ to the party From: Bill D It's a hard tune to explain. I know someone who sings it, but can't even ask her to sing it into my answering machine now...she's out of town. Maybe it's been recorded by someone? |
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13 Sep 08 - 09:39 PM (#2439641) Subject: Lyr Add: I TOOK MY HARP TO A PARTY (Carter, Gay) From: Jim Dixon Lyrics copied from http://www.lyricsdownload.com/gracie-field-i-took-my-harp-to-a-party-lyrics.html I TOOK MY HARP TO A PARTY Words by Desmond Carter, music by Noel Gay, 1933. As sung by Gracie Fields VERSE 1: Christmas is comin'. Christmas is comin'. Christmas is comin' again. But that never thrills me. the thought of it chills me. I tell you it fills me with pain. It makes me remember a Christmas gone by When I was extremely upset. A night in December, an evening that I Would very much rather forget. CHORUS 1: For I took me harp to a party, but nobody asked me to play. The others were jolly and 'earty, but I wasn't feelin' so gay. They might have said "play us a tune we can sing" But somehow I don't think they noticed the thing. I took me harp to a party, but nobody asked me to play, So I took the darned thing away. VERSE 2: They asked Mrs Morgan to play her mouth-organ, And somebody else did a dance. They let Mrs Carter perform a sonata, But I wasn't given a chance. A north country person called Sandy McPherson Played bagpipes and took off his coat, While both the Miss Fawcetts bust out of their corsets In trying to take a top note. CHORUS 2: But I took me harp to a party, nobody asked me to play. The others were jolly and 'earty, but I wasn't feelin' so gay. I felt so ashamed at not strikin' a note, That I tried to hide the thing under me coat. I took me harp to a party, but nobody asked me to play, So I took the darned thing away. VERSE 3: They sang Home Sweet Home and The Banks of Loch Lomond, And All the King's Horses, then Trees, While nephews and nieces kept playin' their pieces And spreadin' their jam on the keys. A daughter called Lena played her concertina. We all played ridiculous games, 'Til old Mr Dyer set his whiskers on fire, And a fire engine played on the flames. But I took me harp to a party but nobody asked me to play So I took the darned thing away! |
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13 Sep 08 - 10:38 PM (#2439679) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I took my organ to the party From: Jim Dixon There really was a song called I TOOK MY ORGAN TO THE PARTY, sung by Larry Vincent and the Jenadoos, on a 78-rpm record, Pearl Record Co., #52-A. No doubt it was inspired by I TOOK MY HARP TO A PARTY, but was contrived to have some more obvious double-entendres. Here's an excerpt transcribed from a 37-second sound sample found at http://www.csufresno.edu/folklore/drinkingsongs/mp3s/1950s/1950ca-pearl-records-(78)/index.htm : At every party there's always a smarty who likes to show off in some way. Some folks desire to sit by the fire while others good music they play. One night in November I'll never forget. I was invited to play at a dance. I brought my music and instrument, but I wasn't given a chance. I took my organ to the party, but nobody asked me to play…. |
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13 Sep 08 - 10:40 PM (#2439682) Subject: Lyr Add: A BASSETT TO THE END From: Jim Dixon The same web site has this: Copied from http://www.drinkingsongs.net/html/books-and-manuscripts/1950s/1950s-ribald-songs-with-music-(ms-and-mimeo-in-binder)/index.htm (The PDF file mentioned there contains a lead sheet.) A BASSETT TO THE END Boston has always been the seat of culture. For generations, it has always held the lead. The Beeches and the Cabots, the Lowells and the Bassetts, The families that were most meticulous, rather ridiculous, too. When they tell just how well their families are treed -- Who's in the lead -- my friends, when it comes to forthright genealogy, There are but two families who can go away back. But away back - and who have kept track. They are the bluest of the Back Bay's bluest blues. To you they are the zenith of society's social snobs. To them the Cabots and the Lowells (oh, my dear!) just slobs! Who are they? Who are they? Why they're the sons and daughters of the Beeches and the Bassetts. CHORUS: For the sons of Beeches always marry Bassetts, For a Bassett is a Bassett to the end. Though the Beeches have the assets, it's the Bassetts have the classes. Beeches assets put the Bassetts on the mend. A Bassett never mingles with the masses. To resort to that they'd never condescend; But the Beeches have a chauffer who's a Bassett girl's gopher! For a Bassett is a Bassett to the end. For the sons of Beeches always marry Bassetts, For a Bassett is a Bassett to the end. The great wealth they have amassed, it's the Beeches, not the Bassetts. Beeches assets put the Bassets on the mend, (SPOKEN: They think!) In Pilgrim days, the Bassetts were "John Alden." To Priscilla Dean, Miles Standish they did send. But Priscilla up and tossed them, for John Alden double-crossed them Oh a Bassett is definitely a Bassett to the end. SPOKEN: The end. |
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14 Sep 08 - 10:25 PM (#2440529) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I took my organ to the party From: Ferrara I believe Murray Callahan sings this, and I know Judy Cook used to sing it with another mutual friend. They will all three be at this year's Getaway. Maybe we can get an MP3 of the tune & post it.... I remember the tune for the chorus, but not the verses. Rita F |
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02 Nov 08 - 11:25 AM (#2482485) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I took my organ to the party From: GUEST,Ahessel My father had this record (in 45rpm) in the 1950s. The lyrics differed slightly from those I've seen posted here i.e. "For the Beeches have a waiter that the Bassett girls see later, Beeches assets keep the Bassets on the mend." I too would really like to find either the lyrics or a tape of these two songs. |
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18 Jan 09 - 03:40 AM (#2541958) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I took my organ to the party From: GUEST,just passing through I found a bunch of old records, and the Beeches and bassetts record is among them. Does anyone want it? I did a google search because the song title was interesting, and that is how I found this site. I will check back for responses. |
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27 May 09 - 01:42 AM (#2641641) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I took my organ to the party From: GUEST I felt so ashamed at not striking a note I tried to hide the thing under my coat It was such a big organ stood about so tall |
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14 Jun 09 - 02:56 PM (#2656270) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Took My Organ to the Party From: GUEST I've been trying to locate this record for years, but haven't found it. Back in the '50s, when there was little TV, people found other ways to entertain themselves. One way was to listen to party records, usually after a few drinks. This song was very popular, as were others by Larry Vincent, such as "Get Off the Table, Mabel", "Farmer Gray", and "The Sons of Beeches Always Marry Bassetts". I haven't heard this song for decades, but I heard it so many times in the '50s, that I think I recall nearly all of the words, but I'm missing a couple of parts. If anyone can correct or refine what I have written below, I'd appreciate it. [Verse] Now, at every party There's always a smarty, Who likes to show off in some way. Some folks desire To sit by the fire, While others good music they play. One night in November, I'll never forget, I was invited to play at a dance. I took my musical instrument, But I wasn't given a chance. [Chorus] Oh, I took my organ to the party, But nobody asked me to play. The others were jolly and hearty, But I wasn't feeling so gay. They might have said, "Play us a song we can sing!" But somehow I don't think That they noticed the thing! [Talking part] And it was such a big organ, too. Stood about that high! I took my organ to the party, But nobody asked me to play. [Verse} They let Mrs. Dither Play on her zither, While somebody else did a dance. I saw Miss Marocca Shakin' her ka-nockas, But I wasn't given a chance. A fellow named Teal Made a noise like a seal. I said, "This guy Must be in a rut!" Then Mrs. O'Dooley Sang "I Love You Truly". For an encore She sang "Kelsy's Nuts" [not sure about this] [Chorus] Oh, I took my organ to the party, But nobody asked me to play. The others were jolly and hearty, But I wasn't feeling so gay. I felt so ashamed At not striking a note, That I tried to hide the old thing Under my coat. {Talking part] But I couldn't do it! It was such a big organ. Stood about that high! I took my organ to the party, But nobody asked me to play. [Talking] Not even the maid! Nobody asked me to play. [Talking] Not even the butler! Nobody asked me to play. |
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14 Jun 09 - 09:16 PM (#2656513) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Took My Organ to the Party From: Joe_F To be followed by "Linda and her Londonderry Air". |
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15 Jun 09 - 02:03 PM (#2657071) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Took My Organ to the Party From: GUEST,jimmyboy Another line: I felt so embarrassed when I heard someone say, "I wonder if that broken-down organ can play!" |
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30 Jun 09 - 11:46 AM (#2668040) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Took My Organ to the Party From: GUEST,Eric I have a copy of this record and will try to transcribe the lyrics. BTW- the "Kelsey's Nuts" reference is to another song: "Kelsey's Nuts are the sweetest / of any nuts in town" |
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30 Jun 09 - 06:02 PM (#2668388) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Took My Organ to the Party From: GUEST,Eric I've just played my copy and the lyrics above are accurate, give or take a word or two. Someone had an excellent memory. |
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01 Jul 09 - 05:51 PM (#2669255) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Took My Organ to the Party From: McGrath of Harlow Here's Gracie Fields singing "I took my harp to a party" - YouTube, but only audio, I'm afraid. |
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01 Jul 09 - 10:07 PM (#2669402) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Took My Organ to the Party From: Deckman "Get off the table, Mable, The two bits is for the BEEEEER!" |
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16 Jun 14 - 01:07 PM (#3633620) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Took My Organ to the Party From: GUEST,Rob Darlington In 1949-50 the officer's mess at the US Navy Supply Corps School at Bayonne N.J. had a record player (5 cents) with I Took my Organ to the Party; The Sons of Beaches Always Married Bassetts and The Cutest Little Dinghy in the Navy. The singer was Ruth something or other. The record was almost worn out frm play. |
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27 Jun 14 - 11:45 PM (#3637258) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Took My Organ to the Party From: Jim Dixon Rob: That would be Ruth Wallis. We have the lyrics to THE DINGHY SONG ("He's got the cutest little Dinghy in the Navy") and A BASSETT TO THE END ("For the sons of Beeches always marry Bassetts") |
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28 Jun 14 - 12:24 AM (#3637259) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Took My Organ to the Party From: LadyJean I am, once again, having car issues. I'm walking everywhere, and it hurts. I got a call from a friend tonight. He asked how I was. I said, "Stiff". He said I was probably not as happy about that as he would be. |
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28 Jun 14 - 12:25 AM (#3637260) Subject: Lyr Add: I TOOK MY ORGAN TO THE PARTY From: Jim Dixon Here's my transcription from a recording at YouTube. The lyrics are very close to what a guest posted back at 14 Jun 2009: (Here's an image of the record label.) I TOOK MY ORGAN TO THE PARTY As sung by Pearl Boys [Larry Vincent], Pearl Records PC 204, ca. 1947. 1. Now, at every party there's always a smarty Who likes to show off in some way. Some folks desire to sit by the fire While others good music they play. One night in November I'll never forget. I was invited to play at a dance. I brought my music and instrument, But I wasn't given a chance. CHORUS: I took my organ to the party, But nobody asked me to play. The others were jolly and hearty, But I wasn't feelin' so gay. They might 'a' said: "Play us a song we can sing," But somehow I don't think that they noticed the thing. (And it was such a big organ, too; stood about that high.)* I took my organ to the party, But nobody asked me to play. 2. They let Mrs. Wither play on her zither, And somebody else did a dance. I saw Miss Maraca shakin' her kanakas But I wasn't given a chance. A fellow named Teal made a noise like a seal. I said: "This guy must be in a rut" While Mrs O'Dooley played "I Love You Truly." For an encore she sang "Kelsey's Nuts." CHORUS: I took my organ to the party, But nobody asked me to play. The others were jolly and hearty, But I wasn't feelin' so gay. I felt so ashamed at not strikin' a note, That I tried to hide the old thing under my coat. (And I couldn't make it; it was such a big organ; stood about that high.)* I took my organ to the party, But nobody asked me to play. I felt so embarrassed when I heard someone say: "I wonder if that broken-down organ can play." I took my organ to the party, But nobody asked me to play (Not even the maid).* Nobody asked me to play (Not even the hostess).* Nobody asked me to play. * Lines in parentheses are spoken, not sung, during a pause in the music. |
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28 Jun 14 - 04:56 AM (#3637292) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Took My Organ to the Party From: Larry The Radio Guy Great song! I use it in the upcoming episode of Musial Therapy (see Peachcityradio.org, on what we want and don't want from parties and social interactions. |
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06 Dec 14 - 06:57 PM (#3683153) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Took My Organ to the Party From: GUEST,GardnerJohn I had "I took my organ to the party" with the flip side "The Sons of Beaches Always Married Bassetts" on an old 78rpm record by the Pearl Boys. I got it in a flea market about 40 years ago. It looked about 40 years old when I bought it. I lost the record many years ago but these are still 2 of my favorite songs. |