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Lyr Req: Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavor...?

13 May 97 - 02:24 PM (#5170)
Subject: Lyrics?
From: Warren at warka2@worldnet.att.net

Anyone know the lyrics of "Does your chewing gum loose its flavor on the bedpost overnight" ? If so, please answer or Email. Warren c/o Sarasota Music Archive

13 May 97 - 03:47 PM (#5173)
Subject: Lyr Add: DOES YOUR CHEWING GUM LOSE ITS FLAVOUR
From: Gene Graham

Found this at: http://www.dejanews.com

In rec.music.country.old-time (set cur/old sw. to old)

"Does Your Chewing Gum Lose its Flavour (on the Bedpost Overnight)"
By Lonnie Donegan

Oh me, oh my, oh you.
Whatever shall I do?
Hallelujah!
The question is peculia'.
I'd give a lot of dough
If only I could know
The answer to my question:
Is it yes or is it no?

CHORUS:
Does your chewing gum lose its flavor on the bedpost overnight?
If your mother says don't chew it do you swallow it in spite?
Can you catch it on your tonsils and you heave it left and right?
Does your chewing gum lose its flavor on the bedpost overnight?

Here comes a blushing bride--
The groom is by her side--
Up to the altar
Just as steady as Gibraltar,
And the groom has got the ring,
And it's such a pretty thing,
But as he slips it on her finger,
The choir begins to sing: (Ch)

Now the nations rise as one
To stand there on its own
Up to the White House,
Yeah, the nation's only White House,
To voice their discontent
Unto the president
Upon the burning question what has swept this continent:
If tin whistles are made of tin, what do they make foghorns out of? (Ch)

On the bedpost overnight.
Y'know that I love and I wanna hold you tight
On Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sat'day night.
On the bedpost overnight.
A dollar is a dollar and a dime is a dime.
He'd sing another chorus but he hasn't got the time.
On the bedpost overnight.

13 May 97 - 04:52 PM (#5174)
Subject: Lyr Add: DOES YOUR CHEWING GUM LOSE ITS FLAVOUR
From: Bob Landry

I transcribed different lyrics from a compilation album called Kooky Country some years ago:

DOES YOUR CHEWING GUM LOSE ITS FLAVOUR ON THE BEDPOST OVERNIGHT?
(Lonnie Donegan)

Oh me, oh my, oh you. Whatever shall I do?
Hallelujah, the question is peculiar.
I'd give a lot of dough if only I could know
The answer to my question. Is it yes or is it no?

Does your chewing gum lose its flavour on the bedpost overnight?
If your mother says don't chew it, do you swallow it in spite?
Can you catch it on your tonsils? Can you heave it left and right?
Does your chewing gum lose its flavour on the bedpost overnight?

One night old Granny Stead stuck gum all 'round the bed.
Blasted rollers! All that chewing without molars!
A prowler in the night got stuck on Gran's bed, right!
Old Granny leapt up in the air, shouting out, "Tonight's the night!"

Does your chewing gum have more uses than it says upon the pack?
Can you stretch it out much further than the man upon the rack?
Can you lend it to your brother, and expect to get it back?
Does your chewing gum lose its flavour when your lips refuse to smack?

When on my honeymoon, in our hotel room,
It was heaven. We slept 'til past eleven.
We found a waiter next to me. He was as-ton-ish-ed to be!
He said, "I've been stuck to your bedpost since your early morning tea!"

Does your chewing gum lose its flavour on the bedpost overnight?
If your mother says don't chew it, do you swallow it in spite?
Can you catch it on your tonsils? Can you heave it left and right?
Does your chewing gum lose its flavour, on the bedpost overnight?

On your bedpost overnight...

13 May 97 - 06:45 PM (#5176)
Subject: RE: Lyrics?
From: Bill

Howdy Folks,

I believe there was an earlier version of the song under the title "Does Your Spearmint Lose Its Flavor (on the Bedpost Overnight)." I probably won't be able to find that version for a couple of weeks (and I don't know if more than the one word is changed), but somebody out there probably does.

Allinkausay, Bill

14 May 97 - 12:19 AM (#5190)
Subject: RE: Lyrics?
From: dick greenhaus

I hate to be a party pooper, but it's in the database: try a search for [lose its flavor] or [on the bedpost].

Written by Billy Rose in, I think, 1924.

14 May 97 - 01:49 AM (#5193)
Subject: Chewing Gum
From: Joe Offer

Say, Dick, can the additional lyrics be added to the database? Those of us from a.....er....more recent generation are more familiar with the 1961 Lonnie Donegan version posted above. -Joe-

14 May 97 - 03:24 AM (#5199)
Subject: RE: Lyrics?
From: Bill

Howdy Dick,

I had done a full search for spearmint with a wild card before I posted with no results, or I would have directed folks to DT.

Allinkausay, Bill

29 Oct 98 - 08:19 PM (#43645)
Subject: RE: Lyrics?
From:

Please send me an audio file ... Chewing gum

29 Oct 98 - 11:36 PM (#43663)
Subject: RE: Lyrics?
From:

why, sure! someone will create one immediately, Mr. Noname--and send it to some random address. (my, they will sell a computer to almost ANYONE these days!)

16 Sep 99 - 04:19 PM (#114767)
Subject: Lonnie fan club
From: shellshock

Hi there

Does anyone know of a website or an address of a fan club for Lonnie?

Thanks for any help

Shellshock

16 Sep 99 - 04:34 PM (#114770)
Subject: Lonnie Donegan
From: Joe Offer

Hi, Shellshock - click here. That's the best I could find in a hurry. seems there should be something better.
You can click here for that audio file somebody requested above.
-Joe Offer-

16 Sep 99 - 07:04 PM (#114807)
Subject: RE: Lyrics?
From: bill\sables

There was a Geordie version in the 60s about Newcastle Brown Ale went something like this I've drunk all kinds of hops I've drunk all kinds of slops From Export to pale ale They landed me in jail Satan gets the sinners The old ones and the new'ns I know what you are thinking Does the devil brew McEwans Chorus Does your brown ale loose it's flavour in the bed pan overnight Do you wish you hadn't drunk it when you stagger home half tight Does your bladder feel exhausted when you're up and down all night Does your brown ale loose it's flavour in the bedpan overnight Cheers Bill

31 Jan 03 - 05:37 AM (#878956)
Subject: RE: Lyrics? "Does your chewing gum loose"
From: GUEST,Wal

I am trying to find the three famous chords that Lonnie used when singing his songs. Hard to find! Any muso's out there who can give me hint on the chords. I am a real beginner, but I reckon the "Lad" was the best and I still love his music, and if I could play His songs it would be even better. Thanks Wal.

31 Jan 03 - 02:45 PM (#879317)
Subject: RE: Lyrics? "Does your chewing gum loose"
From: trayton

DOES THE SPEARMINT LOSE ITS FLAVOR (ON THE BEDPOST OVER NIGHT)?


I have this on a 78 by The Two Gilberts (no date) and it states "by Rose, Bloom, and Breuer" a quick google search confirms this and gives all the words.

31 Jan 03 - 05:40 PM (#879481)
Subject: RE: Lyrics? "Does your chewing gum loose"
From: Joe_F

I have also heard "If you leave it on the left post, do you find it on the right?".

My first acquaintance with it was in Britain, in 1959. It was sung by Girl Guides (US: Girl Scouts), who, except for me, occupied an entire carriage (US: car) of a train I was on.

01 Feb 03 - 08:25 AM (#879906)
Subject: RE: Lyrics? "Does your chewing gum loose"
From: Tiger

"Does the Spearmint Lose its Flavor on the Bedpost Overnight"
Lyrics: Billy Rose & Marty Bloom; Music: Ernest Breuer, 1924


I've posted the MP3 of the original (recorded by Billy Jones and Ernest Hare) on my website at:

It will only stay there until March 1, 2003, however. I recently saw the copyright detector van in the neighborhood. After that, you can send me a PM and I'll get you a copy.

An interesting sidebar to this song discussion is that the title had to be changed when the copyright was renewed (in 1948, I think). The Wrigley Co. claimed infringement on their Spearmint gum trademark, and they won.

01 Feb 03 - 10:03 AM (#879961)
Subject: RE: Lyrics? "Does your chewing gum loose"
From: JennyO

Blue Clicky not working

01 Feb 03 - 12:01 PM (#880048)
Subject: RE: Lyrics? "Does your chewing gum loose"
From: Tiger

Not sure what the problem is, Jenny. It no doubt depends on your browser, your music player, and all their interacting settings. I doubt I can do anything about it, other than sending it as a back-channel eMail attachment.

It's a 2.8 MB file, and will take time to download if you don't have broadband.

But, try this. Do a Find-Files-Date and search for files modified in the last day. Sort by modified date and you should find it somewhere near the top in your browser's cache. Then, double-click to play, or save somewhere else on your hard drive.

Good luck.

17 Jun 03 - 01:12 AM (#967377)
Subject: RE: Lyrics? "Does your chewing gum loose"
From: GUEST,Wal

Still waiting from some help on the famous chords that Lonnie used to use.I sing in c/g so any ideas will be great

18 Jun 03 - 09:45 AM (#968373)
Subject: Lyr Add: DOES THE SPEARMINT LOSE ITS FLAVOR...?
From: Jim Dixon

Found this version at http://www.geocities.com/Cag03/NovDoSpear.html
(actually Google's cache of same). It has a few lines that aren't in the other versions posted here:

DOES THE SPEARMINT LOSE ITS FLAVOR ON THE BEDPOST OVERNIGHT
(Words by Billy Rose & Marty Bloom. Music by Ernest Breuer. 1924)
As sung by Billy Jones & Ernest Hare

Oh me, oh my, oh you. I don't know what to do.
Hallelujah, the question is peculiar.
It's got me on the go. I'd give a lot of dough
If someone here would tell me, is it yes or is it no:

Does the spearmint lose its flavor on the bedpost overnight?
If you chew it in the morning, will it be too hard to bite?
Can't you see I'm going crazy? Won't somebody put me right?
Does the spearmint lose its flavor on the bedpost overnight?

The nation rose as one and sent its favorite son
To the White House, this mighty country's lighthouse.
He saw the president. He said that I've been sent
To solve the burning question that involves the continent:

Does the spearmint lose its flavor on the bedpost overnight?
Would you use it on your collar when your button's not in sight?
Put your hand beneath your seat and you will find it there all right.
Does the spearmint lose its flavor on the bedpost overnight?

Does the spearmint lose its flavor on the bedpost overnight?
If your teacher tells you not to chew it, swallow it for spite.
Could you grab it with your tonsils and then swing it left and right?
Does the spearmint lose its flavor on the bedpost overnight?

Here comes the blushing bride, the groom right at her side,
To the altar, as steady as Gibraltar.
The bridegroom has the ring. It's such a pretty thing.
He puts it on her finger and the choir begins to sing:

Does the spearmint lose its flavor on the bedpost overnight?
Always paste it on your napkin if you want to be polite.
Could you get a job as typist if you couldn't chew it right?
Does the spearmint lose its flavor on the bedpost overnight?

Does the spearmint lose its flavor on the bedpost overnight?
Will it make a fellow shut up when he's dying to recite?
Would you give it to your parrot if he isn't perching right?
Does the spearmint lose its flavor on the bedpost overnight?

18 Jun 03 - 01:28 PM (#968512)
Subject: RE: Lyrics? 'Does your chewing gum lose'
From: GUEST,Benny

To GUEST,Wal,
I have a vast collection of Lonnie's recordings
if you want chords for his songs name the ones you want and I will post the chords on.

19 Jun 03 - 03:50 AM (#968847)
Subject: Lonnies Lyriics
From: GUEST,Wal

To Benny, The chords to My Old Mans a Dustman, and Chewing Gum Lose its Flavour. I am only starting to play, and comfortable with the Keys of C and G. Thanks for your help Wal

19 Jun 03 - 04:30 PM (#969287)
Subject: RE: Lyrics? 'Does your chewing gum lose'
From: GUEST

19 Jun 03 - 06:37 PM (#969342)
Subject: RE: Lyrics? 'Does your chewing gum lose'
From: GUEST

Hello Tiger, would you mind telling us your email-address, as the link doesn't work any longer!
Johannes Schiefner
jschiefner@web.de

20 Dec 03 - 09:47 AM (#1076794)
Subject: RE: Lyrics? 'Does your chewing gum lose'
From: GUEST,Renee D.

im looking for the original version of this song i work in day care and i think the kids would like to hear it i also have a few co-workers that never heard the song before and wanted to hear it so if you could help me out that would be great please send any info to rad2@famvid.com thank you

18 Mar 04 - 04:56 PM (#1140319)
Subject: RE: Lyrics? 'Does your chewing gum lose'
From: GUEST,Mark Jundi

I hate to look even dumber then normal but What is the answer to the riddle,"If tin whistles are made of tin,What do they make foghorns out of?".I had a 45 of the lonnie D. version of this song when I was a kid and I've always wondered about that.

19 Mar 04 - 06:11 AM (#1140736)
Subject: RE: Lyrics? 'Does your chewing gum lose'
From: greg stephens

I dont think you being dumb at all. I have no idea what the guy on the record shouts at that point. Possibly "footballs" but maybe not.The logical answer is clearly "fog" but youre meant o figure that out youself. Perhaps in live performance they shouted out any old rubbish at that point? I would have a guess at a slightly garbled "footballs" but others might have other theories.
    God's words to us are not always clearly undertandable, and so it is with Donegan. We have to make efforts youselves.

19 Mar 04 - 06:13 AM (#1140738)
Subject: RE: Lyrics? 'Does your chewing gum lose'
From: greg stephens

PS There is a sort of tortured logic to shouting footballs at that point. Tinwhistles are made of tin, but foghorns are not made out of fog, and footballs are not made out of feet. But perhaps I'm getting a bit silly here.

19 Mar 04 - 06:18 AM (#1140742)
Subject: RE: Lyrics? 'Does your chewing gum lose'
From: IanC

I always thought he was shouting "Fog Orf!"

:-)

19 Mar 04 - 06:38 AM (#1140757)
Subject: RE: Lyrics? 'Does your chewing gum lose'
From: greg stephens

Fog orf sounds a lot more likely. perhaps I was a little naive in hearing a garbled "football". i shall have another listen.

19 Mar 04 - 06:46 AM (#1140762)
Subject: RE: Lyrics? 'Does your chewing gum lose'
From: greg stephens

Well, I'm sorry IanC, but it is definitely not "fog orf" on the record. They may have used that live, but it is not what I have just listened to.. there definitely seems to be a "b" sound in the middle to me.

19 Mar 04 - 08:30 AM (#1140835)
Subject: RE: Lyrics? 'Does your chewing gum lose'
From: clueless don

According to my memory of the recording (I don't actually have the record), after Lonnie said "If tin whistles are made o' tin, what do they make foghorns out of?", it sounded to my ears like a background voice said "boom, boom".

Probably a Mondegreen.

Don

19 Mar 04 - 08:37 AM (#1140840)
Subject: RE: Lyrics? 'Does your chewing gum lose'
From: GUEST,Tracey Dragonsfriend (no cookie here)

Whatevr it is he actually says, I think it's intended to be heard as "F**k all"...

19 Mar 04 - 11:10 AM (#1140974)
Subject: RE: Lyrics? 'Does your chewing gum lose'
From: JennyO

I always heard "Boom Boom". To me it meant - that's the punchline. The question is the whole joke.

05 Apr 04 - 05:27 PM (#1155181)
Subject: RE: Lyrics? 'Does your chewing gum lose'
From: GUEST,Mark Jundi

That's an interesting perspective,JennyO.I like it.I talked to some people at work today and someone said the answer fog iron.I know that's not what I've heard on any of the versions of the song but I'm still not sure what I did hear.It sounds like "Boom Boom"to me.

05 Apr 04 - 10:21 PM (#1155342)
Subject: RE: Lyrics? 'Does your chewing gum lose'
From: GUEST,emily rain

i'm with jennyO. it's like the little riff on the trap kit after you tell a bad joke. ba-dum-bump ching!

24 Feb 05 - 08:42 PM (#1420203)
Subject: RE: Lyrics? 'Does your chewing gum lose'
From: GUEST,sept747@sbcglobal.net

Need both Lonnie Donegan,s Lyrics, and guitar cords for
Does your chewing gum lose it,s flavor on the bed post
over night

10 Mar 07 - 06:24 PM (#1992976)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavor
From: GUEST

Boom boom is what he says - its essentially an english version of the rimshot, used quite often. I 2nd the motion for some chords to "does your chewing gum..." please.

10 Mar 07 - 08:23 PM (#1993059)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavor...?
From: Deckman

My dim memory of this song tells me I heard about 1949, or 50? Also, I THINK the flip side was: "When It's Toothpickin' Time In False Teeth Valley!" Does anyone else remember this? Bob

11 Mar 07 - 08:52 AM (#1993351)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavor...?
From: The Fooles Troupe

""Boom Boom""

It's an old British stage tradition for comics - Music Hall / Panto origin.

Sorta used as a "ok the joke's over - that was the punch line - now laugh" prompt -
sorta like the US TV studio "Applause" card or light.... :-)

Really - some of the jokes are that old and bad...

Robin
The Fooles Troupe Scribe
(Our jokes aren't old - not when we were alive!)