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I'm experiencing trouble with my Internet connection, rendering any research and video scouting impossible. I'm trying to solve it. In the meantime, check out this 60's music blog:

A Delicious Decade of Music

Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes - Perry Como

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single Jan. 10 - Feb. 13, 1953

This is a great song, which has been recorded by numerous artists in many different styles. Perry Como hit the biggest with his version.


Download this song

Here's a quite recent recording of Goldie Hill, singing a response to this song:



Lyrics:

(Pa pa pa pia, pa pa pa pia...)

Don’t let the stars get in your eyes,
Don’t let the moon break your heart!
Love blooms at night,
In daylight it dies,
Don’t let the stars get in your eyes,
Don’t keep your heart from me,
For some day I’ll return,
And you know you’re the only one I’ll ever love!

Too many nights! (Too many nights!)
Too many stars! (Too many stars!)
Too many moons could change your mind!
(Don’t let the moon change your mind!)

If I’m gone too long,
Don’t forget where you belong,
When the stars come out remember you are mine!

Don’t let the stars get in your eyes,
Don’t let the moon break your heart!
Love blooms at night,
In daylight it dies,
Don’t let the stars get in your eyes,
Don’t keep your heart from me,
For some day I’ll return,
And you know you’re the only one I’ll ever love!



(Don’t let the stars get in your eyes,
...Don’t let the moon break your heart!)



(Pa pa pa pia, pa pa pa pia...)

Too many miles! (Too many miles!)
Too many days! (Too many days!)
Too many nights to be alone! (Too many nights all alone!)
Oh! please keep your heart, while we are apart,
Don’t you linger in the moonlight when I’m gone! (While I’m gone!)

Don’t let the stars get in your eyes,
Don’t let the moon break your heart!
(Don’t let the moon break your heart!)
Love blooms at night,
In daylight it dies,
Don’t let the stars get in your eyes,
Don’t keep your heart from me,
For some day I’ll return,
And you know you’re the only one I’ll ever love!
(I’ll ever love!) I’ll ever love!

You’re the only one! (You’re the only one!)
I’ll ever love!

The Year 1952

Our time machine has now passed the border between the years 1952 and 1953.

1953 saw the growth of the buy now pay later mentality with car makers leading the way by allowing longer and longer periods to pay for your new car. The unions gained strength with more and more workers belonging to unions, with wage and price controls ended and unemployment at 2.9% the increases in standard of living continued to grow and appear to have no boundaries. A teachers average salary was $4,254 and a pound of round steak was 90 cents. The first color television sets appear selling for $1,175, and transistor radios start to appear for sale.

Quoted from Thepeoplehistory.com.

1953 was also the year when the first issue of Playboy Magazine saw the light of day, with Marilyn Monroe on the cover (pictured above), and Josef Stalin died this year.

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - Jimmy Boyd

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single Dec. 27, 1952 - Jan. 9, 1953

Once again, we're decorating our time machine for Christmas. Jimmy Boyd, at the age of twelve years, made the original recording of this well known Christmas song, which has since been covered by many artists and translated into many languages. It was actually banned by the Roman Catholic Church of Boston for mixing Christmas with sex, but after Boyd himself met with the church and explained the song, the ban was lifted. This song quickly turned him into a star and it sold two and a half million records the first weeks after it's release. Every Christmas it had a new peak for many years to come, and today, reportedly, it has sold a grand total of about 60 million records.


Download this song at Amazon.com

Here are some more versions of this song:

Jackson 5


John Cougar Mellencamp in 1987


Amy Winehouse


Lyrics:

I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus
Underneath the mistletoe last night.
She didn't see me creep
down the stairs to have a peep;
She thought that I was tucked
up in my bedroom fast asleep.

Then, I saw Mommy tickle Santa Claus
Underneath his beard so snowy white;
Oh, what a laugh it would have been
If Daddy had only seen
Mommy kissing Santa Claus last night

Why Don't You Believe Me - Joni James

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single Nov. 29 - Dec. 26 1952


Download this song at Amazon.com

In 1963, The Duprees made number 37 on the billboard with their own version of this song (see video clip below). Margaret Whiting and Patti Page also recorded this song in 1952.



Here's a clip from April 2008 where The Duprees deliver this song again:



Lyrics:

Why don't you believe me?, it's you I adore
Forever and ever, can I promise more?
I've told you so often the way that I care
Why don't you believe me?, it just isn't fair

CHORUS
Here is a heart that is lonely
Here is a heart you can take
Here is a heart for you only
That you can keep or break

How else can I tell you, what more can I do?
Why don't you believe me?, I love only you

REPEAT from CHORUS

It's In The Book - Johnny Standley

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single Nov. 22 - Nov. 28 1952

This is, as you can quite clearly hear, not actually a song, but a comedy monologue. It nevertheless hit the number one spot on the billboard! It's a piece, delivered in the style of a revivalist preacher, analyzing and ridiculing the nursery rhyme Little Bo Peep. If you can't hear what he says, read along in the lyrics below the video clip!

Little Bo Peep goes as follows (there are some variations):

Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep,
And doesn't know where to find them.
Leave them alone, and they will come home,
Wagging their tails behind them

Download this track at Amazon.com

Lyrics:

I have a message for you - a very sad message!
My subject for this evening will be Little Bo Peep.
It says here, "Little Bo Peep, who was a little girl,
has lost her sheep,"
"And doesn't know where to find them."
Now that's reasonable, isn't it?
It's, it's reasonable to assume, if Little Bo Peep had lost her sheep,
It's only natural that she wouldn't know where to find them.
That, that basically is reasonabl-l-le, but, uh, "leave them alone".
Now that overwhelms me, …, completely overwhelms me.
The man said she lost her sheep, turns right around and boldly states,
"She doesn't know where to find them".
And then has the stupid audacity to say, "Leave them alone"!
Now! Now, now think for a moment! Think!
If the sheep were lost, and you couldn't find them,
You'd have to leave them alone, wouldn't you?
So, "Leave them alone". "Leave them alone".
It's in the book!

"Leave them alone and they", they being the sheep, "they will come home".
Ah yes, they'll come home.
Oh, there'll be a brighter day tomorrow, they will come home!
It's in the book.

"They will come home… a-waggin' their tails…".
Pray, tell me, what else could they wag?
"They will come home a-waggin' their tails … behind them… behind them!"
Did we think they'd wag them in front of them?
Of course, they might have come home in reverse.
They could have done that, I really don't know.
But, none the less, it's in the book.

So now if you will, kindly pick up your books, and turn to page 222.
We'll ask you all to sing.
You'll find your books on the backs of your seats.
Are we ready?

Everyone, 222. Let's really enjoy ourselves, let's live it up.
All together.

Do you remember grandma's lye soap?
Good for everything in the home,
And the secret was in the scrubbing,
It wouldn't suds and couldn't foam.

Then let us sing right out of grandma's, of grandma's lye soap
Used for - for everything, everything on the place,
For pots and kettles, the dirty dishes, and for your hands and for
your face.

So we'll now sing the second verse.
Let's get it with great exuberance, let's live it up.
It's not raining inside tonight.
Everyone, let's have a happy time.
Are we ready? All together, the second verse.

Little Herman and brother Thurman
Had an aversion to washing their ears
Grandma scrubbed them with the lye soap.
And they haven't heard a word in years.

Then let us sing right out of grandma's, of grandma's lye soap.
Sing all out, all over the place.
The pots and kettles, the dirty dishes, and also hands and also f….
(clapping fades)

Well, let's sing what's left of the last verse.
Let's have a happy time, everyone.
The last verse, al-l-l-l together.
Ev-v-v-very one!

Mm-m-m-m. Thank you kindly, kindly,
M-m-mrs. O'Malley, out in the valley,
Suffered from ulcers, I understand.
She swallowed a cake of grandma's lye soap,
Has the cleanest ulcers in the land.

Then let us sing right out of grandma's, of grandma's lye soap.
Sing right out. All over the place.
The pots and - the pots and pans, oh dirty dishes,
And the hands……..

I Went To Your Wedding - Patti Page

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single Oct. 18 - Nov. 21 1952

As with many other of the songs we stopped by throughout our journey, this is only the most popular out of many versions of this song. Interestingly, Patti Page released this single with her own version of yesterday's song, You Belong to Me, on the flip side.


Download this song at Amazon.com

Lyrics:

I went to your wedding
Although I was dreading
The thought of losing you
The organ was playing
My poor heart kept saying
"My dreams, my dreams are through"

She came down the aisle, wearing a smile
A vision of loveliness
I uttered a sigh, and then whispered goodbye
Goodbye to my happiness

Your mother was crying
Your father was crying
And I was crying too
The teardrops were falling
Because we were losin' you

She came down the aisle, wearing a smile
A vision of loveliness
I uttered a sigh, and then whispered goodbye
Goodbye to my happiness

Oh, your mother was crying
Your father was crying
And I was crying too
The teardrops were falling
Because we were losing you

Spike Jones and his City Slickers made a popular spoof version of this song a few years later. Check it out:


Download this song at Amazon.com

Lyrics:

I went to your wedding
Although I was dreading
The thought of seeing you...(laugh)... oh, that face!
My poor heart was praying
To hear the groom saying
"I do, I do, I do"... (laugh)... oh, that poor fish... I'm sorry.

You tripped on the aisle
Fell flat on your... (laugh)... smile
Your father was loaded too...(laugh)... oh, what a mess!
He dragged your bouquet
The rest of the way
And then... (snigger)... and then... (laugh)...
He went back and dragged you... (laugh)

Your mother was laughing
Your father was laughing
And I was... (manic laughter)... too
We all had hysterics
At last we got rid of YOU!

You Belong to Me - Jo Stafford

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single Sept. 13 - Oct. 17 1952

Jo Stafford was a traditional pop and jazz singer who's career stretched from the late 30's to the early 60's. In 1961 she received a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album. This song, however, is not part of her comedy career.



Download You Belong To Me at Amazon.com

Lyrics:

See the pyramids along the Nile
Watch the sun rise on a tropic isle
But just remember, darling, all the while
You belong to me

See the marketplace in old Algiers
Send me photographs and souvenirs
Just remember when a dream appears
You belong to me

I'll be so alone without you
Maybe you'll be lonesome too and blue

Fly the ocean in a silver plane
See the jungle when it's wet with rain
Just remember till you're home again
You belong to me

I'll be so alone and without you
Maybe you'll be lonesome too and blue

Fly the ocean in a silver plane
See the jungle when it's wet with rain
But remember, darling, till you're home again
You belong to me

Auf Wiederseh'n Sweetheart - Vera Lynn

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single July 12 - Sept. 12 1952

British singer Vera Lynn, also called "The Forces' Sweetheart" hit her peak during World War II.



Lyrics:

(Auf wiedersehen, auf wiedersehen)
(We'll meet again, sweetheart)
This lovely day has flown away
The time has come to part

We'll kiss again, like this again
Don't let the teardrops start
With love that's true, I'll wait for you
Auf wiedersehen, sweetheart

Photographer

Taking our time machine for a little detour back to the war, we find her singing about the famous cliffs of Dover. This is another one of her big hits:



Wikipedia has a short article on the white cliffs of dover, England.

Download these songs at Amazon.com:
Auf Wiederseh'n Sweetheart
White Cliffs Of Dover

Delicado - Percy Faith & his Orchestra

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single July 5 - July 11 1952

Quite a bit different, very good indeed!



Download Delicado at Amazon.com

Here in My Heart - Al Martino

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single June 21 - July 4 1952

You may recognize Al Martino from the movie The Godfather, where he played the part of singer Johnny Fontane, who is said to be based on Frank Sinatra's career. Though, that character was probably not too far away from his own self. Al released singles and albums for a good 25 years, starting in the middle fifties.



Lyrics:

Here in my heart I'm alone, I'm so lonely
Here in my heart I just yearn for you only
Here in my arms I long to hold you
Hold you so near, ever close to my heart
So, darling

Say that you care, take these arms I give gladly
Surely you know I need your love so badly
Here is my heart, my life, and my all, dear
Please be mine and stay here in my heart

REPEAT second verse

Download Here In My Heart at Amazon.com

New design

Noticed it? The old design was really dull and just too much Blogspot and not enough me. It's still a work in progress, though. What do you think about it? Please let me know in the comments!

Blue Tango - Leroy Anderson

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single May 17 - June 20 1952

Here's a reminder that things have changed since the fifties. To the worse in some respects, I believe. But then again, things have never been as good as they were in the past...

Wheel of Fortune - Kay Starr

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single Mar. 15 - May 16 1952



A later performance:



Lyrics:

The wheel of fortune

Goes spinning around
Will the arrow point my way?
Will this be my day?

Oh, wheel of fortune

Please don't pass me by
Let me know the magic of
A kiss and a sigh

While the wheel is spining, spinning, spinning
I'll not dream of winning fortune or fame
While the wheel is turning, turning, turning
I'll be yearning, yearning
For love's precious flame

Oh, wheel of fortune
I'm hoping somehow
If you ever smile on me
Please let it be now

While the wheel is spining, spinning, spinning
I'll not dream of winning fortune or fame
While the wheel is turning, turning, turning
I'll be yearning, yearning
For love's precious flame

Oh, wheel of fortune
I'm hoping somehow
If you ever smile on me
Please let it be now

Download The Wheel Of Fortune at Amazon.com

The year 1952

1952 despite the war in Korea Americans considered themselves to be prospering with average worker earning $3,400 per year, a college teacher could expect to earn $5,100 per year . Three out of 5 families owned a car, 2 out of 3 families now had a telephone, 1 in 3 homes had a television. The average woman in America would be married by 20 years of age looking forward to raising a family but few continued with a career after children were born. Fast Food restaurants were growing in popularity, but the scourge of Polio hit many thousands of families ( 50,000 estimated ) . Many more cars in America were now fitted with automatic gearboxes and gas cost 25 cents per gallon. The worlds first passenger jet The Comet is produced in UK signaling the start of faster and cheaper air travel in later years.

Quoted from Thepeoplehistory.com.

Cry - Johnny Ray

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single Dec. 29, 1951 - Mar. 14, 1952

This song will serve as our gateway to the year 1952.



Lyrics:

If your sweetheart sends a letter of goodbye
It's no secret you'll feel better if you cry
When waking from a bad dream
Don't you sometimes think it's real
But it's only false emotions that you feel

If your heartaches seem to hang around too long
And your blues keep getting bluer with each song
Remember sunshine can be found behind the cloudy skies
So let your hair down and go on and cry

If your heartaches seem to hang around too long
And your blues keep getting bluer with each song
Well now, remember sunshine can be found
Behind a cloudy sky
So let your hair down and go right on and cry

Sin (It's No Sin) - Eddy Howard

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single Nov. 17 - Dec. 28

This song hit the charts for six different performers in 1951! Eddy Howard was the only one to reach the no 1 billboard position. In this clip, we hear three different versions:

1) Billy Howard
2) The Four Aces
3) The Duprees



Lyrics:

Take away the breath of flowers
It would surely be a sin
Take the rain from April showers
It's a sin
Take away the violins, dear
From a lovely symphony
And the music deep within
Would cease to be
Is it a sin to love you so
To hold you close
And know you are leaving

Though you take away my heart, dear
Still the beating there within
I'll keep loving you forever
For it's no sin

Is it a sin to love you so
To hold you close
And know you are leaving
Though you take away my heart, dear
Still the beating there within
I'll keep loving you foreve
For it's no sin

Download this song at Amazon.com:
Eddy Howard's version
The Four Aces' version

Norah Jones - The Tennessee Waltz

Speaking of Norah Jones, she also made a nice performance of The Tennessee Waltz, which we've seen Patti Page sing earlier in this blog. This is from Norah's live concert in New Orleans in 2002.



Just another detour on our trip..

Cold, Cold Heart - Tony Bennett

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single Nov. 3 - Nov. 16

Again, I'm not sure this is an original recording.



Much later, Norah Jones made a very nice interpretation of this song and released it on her break-through album Come Away With Me. That version is probably more familiar to the youngest parts of our audience.



Lyrics:

I tried so hard, my dear to show
That you're my every dream
Yet, you're afraid each thing I do
Is just some evil scheme
A memory from your lonesome past
Keeps us so far apart
Why can't I free your doubtful mind
And melt your cold, cold heart

Another love before my time
Made your heart sad and blue
And so my heart is paying now
For things I didn't do
In anger unkind words are said
That make the teardrops start
Why can't I free your doubtful mind
And melt your cold, cold heart

[Instrumental Interlude]

There was a time when I believed
That you belonged to me
But now I know your heart is shackled to a memory
The more I learn to care for you
The more we drift apart
Why can't I free your doubtful mind
And melt your cold, cold heart

Download Cold, Cold Heart at Amazon.com:
Tony Bennett's version
Norah Jones' version

Because Of You - Tony Bennett

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single Sept. 8 - Nov. 2

I didn't find any good clips with an original recording of this song, but here's a clip with Tony Bennett singing it many years later:



Lyrics:

Because of you there's a song in my heart
Because of you my romance had its start
Because of you the sun will shine
The moon and stars will say you're mine
Forever and never to part

I only live for your love and your kiss
It's paradise to be near you like this
Because of you my life is now worthwhile
And I can smile
Because of you

------ instrumental break ------

I only live for your love and your kiss
It's paradise to be near you like this
Because of you my life is now worthwhile
And I can smile
Because of you

Download Because Of You at Amazon.com

Come On-a My House - Rosemary Clooney

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single July 28 - Sept. 7

Years after this song hit the charts, Rosemary Clooney, who is by the way the aunt of George Clooney, revealed that she first hated this song, but was forced to record it. See the second clip. It's a good thing she let herself be talked into it, since this song made her a star overnight.





A cover by Della Reese:



Lyrics:

Come on-a my house my house, I'm gonna give you candy
Come on-a my house, my house, I'm gonna give a you
Apple a plum and apricot-a too eh
Come on-a my house, my house a come on
Come on-a my house, my house a come on
Come on-a my house, my house I'm gonna give a you
Figs and dates and grapes and cakes eh
Come on-a my house, my house a come on
Come on-a my house, my house a come on
Come on-a my house, my house, I'm gonna give you candy
Come on-a my house, my house, I'm gonna give you everything

Come on-a my house my house, I'm gonna give you Christmas tree
Come on-a my house, my house, I'm gonna give you
Marriage ring and a pomegranate too ah
Come on-a my house, my house a come on
Come on-a my house, my house a come on
Come on-a my house, my house I'm gonna give a you
Peach and pear and I love your hair ah
Come on-a my house, my house a come on
Come on-a my house, my house a come on
Come on-a my house, my house, I'm gonna give you Easta-egg
Come on-a my house, my house, I'm gonna give you
Everything - everything - everything

SPOKEN: Come on-a my house-a!

Download Come On-a My House at Amazon.com

Too Young - Nat King Cole

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single June 23 - July 27



Lyrics:

They try to tell us were too young
Too young to really be in love
They say that love's a word
A word we've only heard
But can't begin to know the meaning of

And yet were not too young to know
This love will last though years may go
And then some day they may recall
We were not too young at all



And yet we're not too young to know
This love will last though years may go
And then some day they may recall
We were not too young at all

Download Too Young at Amazon.com

The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise - Les Paul & Mary Ford

This post constitutes a little detour in our journey through time; this song never actually reached the #1 position on the billboard, and thus, is not one of our destinations on this trip. However, being your guide through this adventure, I feel that it's worth a digression. It was still a major hit, with a #2 peak position.

In the last post, we made acquaintance with Les Paul & Mary Ford and their special sound. Given the context and the novelty of their sound, I find their music both very interesting, inspiring and beautiful. In this clip, you'll recognize the same sound as in the clips in the last post, and Les Paul shows off some of his dazzling guitar skills.



Lyrics:

Dear one, the world is waiting for the sunrise.
Ev'ry rose is covered with dew
And while the world is waiting for the sunrise
And my heart is calling you.

(instrumental break)

Dear one, the world is waiting for the sunrise.
Every little rose bud is covered with dew
And my heart is calling for you
The thrush on high his sleepy mate is calling
And my heart is calling you.

Download this song at Amazon.com

How High The Moon - Les Paul & Mary Ford

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single Apr. 21 - June 22

Les Paul was also an inventor, and he played a major role in the development of electrical instruments and recording techniques. In 1941 he invented the first solid electrical guitar, that is without the sound hole in the body of the guitar. That way he could avoid resonance. He was also a pioneer in using and developing reverbs (echo effects) and multitrack recording. Mary Ford, who was not only his co-artist but also his wife, is said to be one of the first persons to have been part-singing with herself.





Lyrics:

Somewhere there's music
How faint the tune
Somewhere there's heaven
How high the moon
There is no moon above
When love is far away too
Till it comes true
That you love me as I love you

Somewhere there's music
How near, how far
Somewhere there's heaven
It's where you are
The darkest night would shine
If you would come to me soon
Until you will, how still my heart
How high the moon

[Guitar Solo]

Somewhere there's music
How faint the tune
Somewhere there's heaven
How high the moon
The darkest night would shine
If you would come to me soon
Until you will, how still my heart
How high the moon

Be My Love - Mario Lanza

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single Mar. 10 - Apr. 20
Words by Sammy Cahn, music by Nicholas Brodszky.

Be my love
For no one else can end this yearning
This need that you and you alone create
Just fill my arms
The way you've filled my dreams
The dreams that you inspire
With every sweet desire

Be my love
And with your kisses set me burning
One kiss is all I need to seal my fate
And hand in hand
We'll find love's promised land
There'll be no one but you for me
Eternally
If you will be my love

Download Be My Love at Amazon.com

If - Perry Como

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single Mar. 3 - Mar. 9



Lyrics:

If they made me a king,
I'd be but a slave to you

If I had everything,
I'd still be a slave to you

If I ruled the night,
Stars and moon so bright,
Still I'd turn for light to you!

If the world to me bowed,
Yet humbly I'd flee to you

If my friends were a crowd,
I'd turn in my need to you

If I ruled the earth,
What would life be worth,
If I hadn't the right to you!

[ Instrumental Break ]

If I ruled the night,
Stars and moon so bright,
Still I'd turn for light to you

If the world to me bowed,
Yet humbly I'd flee to you

If my friends were a crowd,
I'd turn in my need to you

If I ruled the earth,
What would life be worth,
If I hadn't the right
To you!

Download If at Amazon.com

The year 1951

Unemployment dipped to 3.3% in the US and new roads were built to take the ever increasing numbers of cars including the New Jersey Turnpike. Children were given more than any other time in previous history with guitar lessons and sets of Encyclopedias to improve their minds . The average family income was $3,700 per year and people had money to spend so cars became more luxurious and had more powerful engines with options for two tone paint, during this time things like turn signals were still an extra and most drivers still used hand signals to tell other drivers which way they were turning. Television continued to grow with popular programmes like "I Love Lucy" and the first tests for Color Television Pictures were broadcast from Empire State Building . Europe continued to export many cars to the US including Volkswagon's and Austin's.

Quoted from Thepeoplehistory.com.

The Tennessee Waltz - Patti Page

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single Dec. 16, 1950 - Mar. 2, 1951

Wow. Just wow...


Download The Tennessee Waltz at Amazon.com

This was her second number one hit in a little less than two months, and it remained on top for sixteen weeks. And, yes, she sure could sing.

This is the perfect song for celebrating a new year. Yes, our time machine is now leaving the year 1950 and heading on into 1951. It's been an interesting first year! Thanks to those of you who came along for this first part of our trip. Make sure to stay aboard for more.

Lyrics:

I was dancing with my darlin' to the Tennesse waltz
when an old friend I happened to see.
I introduced him to my loved one,
and while they were dancing
my friend stole my sweet-heart from me.

I remember the night and the Tennessee waltz.
Now I know just how much I have lost.
Yes I lost my little darlin' the night
they were playing the beautiful Tennessee waltz.

Update: Also see the post Norah Jones - The Tennessee Waltz.

The Thing - Phil Harris

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single Dec. 2 - Dec. 15

A funny little song by Phil Harris:



Lyrics:

While I was walking down the beach one bright and sunny day,
I saw a great big wooden box a-floating in the bay.
I pulled it in and opened it up and much to my surprise,
Ooh, I discovered a * * * right before my eyes.
Ooh, I discovered a * * * right before my eyes.

I picked it up and ran to town as happy as a king.
I took it to a guy I knew who'd buy 'most anything.
But this is what he hollered at me as I walked in his shop:
"Ooh, get out of here with that * * * before I call a cop!
Ooh, get out of here with that * * * before I call a cop!"

I turned around and got right out, a-running for my life.
And then I took it home with me to give it to my wife.
But this is what she hollered at me as I walked in the door:
"Ooh, get out of here with that * * * and don't come back no more!
Ooh, get out of here with that * * * and don't come back no more!"

I wandered all around the town until I chanced to meet
A hobo who was looking for a handout on the street.
He said he'd take 'most any old thing. He was a desperate man.
But when I showed him the * * *, he turned around and ran.
Ooh, when I showed him the * * *, he turned around and ran.

I wandered on for many years, a victim of my fate,
Until one day I came upon Saint Peter at the Gate.
And when I tried to take it inside, he told me where to go:
"Get out of here with that * * *, and take it down below!
Oh, get out of here with that * * *, and take it down below!"

The moral of this story is if you're out on the beach
And you should see a great big box and it's within your reach,
Don't ever stop and open it up. That's my advice to you.
'Cause you'll never get rid of the * * *, no matter what you do.
Oh, you'll never get rid of the * * *, no matter what you do.

Download The Thing at Amazon.com

Harbor Lights - Sammy Kaye

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single Nov. 18 - Dec. 1

This song originated in 1937 but was first released in 1950. Lyrics by Jimmy Kennedy and music by Hugh Williams.



It has been recorded in many versions, including one by the King of Rock, Elvis Presley. It was recorded in 1954.



Lyrics:

I saw the harbor lights
They only told me we were parting
The same old harbor lights that once brought you to me
I watched the harbor lights
How could I help if tears were starting
Goodbye to tender nights beside the silv'ry sea

I long to hold you near and kiss you just once more
But I was on the ship and you were on the shore
Now I know lonely nights
For all the while my heart is whisp'ring
Some other harbor lights will steal your love from me

[Instrumental Interlude]
Elvis Presley version
I long to hold you near and kiss you just once more
But I was on the ship and you were on the shore
Now I know lonely nights
For all the while my heart is whisp'ring
Some other harbor lights will steal your love from me

Download Harbor Lights at Amazon.com:
Samy Kaye version
Elvis Presley version

All My Love - Patti Page

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single Oct. 28 - Nov. 17

This is a wonderful live recording, however the sound quality is not the best, especially not the instrumentals.



The lyrics in this recording aren't exactly the same as the ones that I found at Lyricsdownload.com:

All my love, I give you all my love
The skies may fall, my love
But I will still be true
All my sighs, will disappear at last
Now that you're here at last
My heart belongs to you

Ohhhhhhhhh ooh, never let me go
You thrill me so
I can see as I recall my life
I've waited all my life
To give you all my love

Ay, ay, ay
Ay, ay, ay
Ay, ay, ay
Ay, ay, ay

Bow, caballero, and tip your sombrero
To your seorita, the lovely Chiquita
Waiting so long for you and your song
While you are playing her heart will be swaying
She will surrender her kisses so tender
To you she will cling the moment that you sing

All my love, I give you all my love
The skies may fall, my love
But I will still be true
All my sighs will disappear at last
Now that you're here at last my heart belongs to you

Ohhhhhhhhh ooh, never let me go
You thrill me so
I can see as I recall my life
I've waited all my life
To give you all my love

Ay, ay, ay
Ay, ay, ay
Ay, ay, ay
FADE
Ay, ay, ay

Download All My Love at Amazon.com

Index page

This post will serve as an index page for the blog. I'll link to different sections of the blog from here. A link to this post will be included in the column to the right.

A presentation of the blog, also the first blog post.

If you don't want to listen to all the songs, why not trust my judgement and let me pick a few of my favorites out of the songs that I have posted on the blog? Under the label "Editor's pick", I've listed my favorites.

Sometimes, I can't find any good audio or video for a song that I mean to post. In those instances, any help finding one would be much appreciated. Any posts where I'm in the need of reader assistance are collected under the tag "Reader help required".

So far, there isn't much more to list on this page.

Goodnight, Irene - Weavers featuring Gordon Jenkins

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single Aug. 19 - Oct. 27

The Weavers were around for many years and eventually received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. They had some tough years being blacklisted by parts of the entertainment industry and even put under FBI surveillance because of their leftist personal beliefs.

I really like this song. I found a few versions of it, and I'll post all of them here. However, I don't think any one of them is the exact version that topped the billboard list.

Here we go:



A lovely live recording:



And finally, this is a live recording from their reunion concert at Carnegie Hall. It makes me pleasantly shiver..



Find out more about the Weavers at Wikipedia.org.

Lyrics:

Irene goodnight, Irene goodnight
Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene
I'll see you in my dreams

Last Saturday night I got married
Me and my wife settled down
Now me and my wife are parted
I'm gonna take another stroll downtown

Irene goodnight, Irene goodnight
Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene
I'll see you in my dreams

Sometimes I live in the country
Sometimes I live in town
Sometimes I take a grave notion
To jump into the river and drown

Irene goodnight, Irene goodnight
Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene
I'll see you in my dreams

Stop ramblin', stop your gamblin'
Stop stayin' out late at night
Go home to your wife and family
Stay there by your farsight right

Irene goodnight, Irene goodnight
Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene
I'll see you in my dreams
Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene
I'll see you in my dreams
Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene
I'll see you in my dreams

Download Goodnight Irene at Amazon.com

Mona Lisa - Nat King Cole

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single July 8 - Aug. 18

Words and music by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans
Academy Award winner from the film Captain Carey, starring Alan Ladd



Lyrics:

Mona lisa, mona lisa, men have named you
Youre so like the lady with the mystic smile
Is it only cause youre lonely they have blamed you?
For that mona lisa strangeness in your smile?

Do you smile to tempt a lover, mona lisa?
Or is this your way to hide a broken heart?
Many dreams have been brought to your doorstep
They just lie there and they die there
Are you warm, are you real, mona lisa?
Or just a cold and lonely lovely work of art?



Do you smile to tempt a lover, mona lisa?
Or is this your way to hide a broken heart?
Many dreams have been brought to your doorstep
They just lie there and they die there
Are you warm, are you real, mona lisa?
Or just a cold and lonely lovely work of art?

Mona lisa, mona lisa

Download Mona Lisa at Amazon.com

I Wanna Be Loved - Andrews Sisters

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single June 24 - July 7

Again, I couldn't find any good audio for this song. However, it's downloadable at Amazon.com and there's also a preview:

Download and preview at Amazon.com

I wanna be loved,
With inspiration!
I wanna be loved,
Starting tonight!

Instead of merely
Holding conversation,
Hold me tight!

I wanna be kissed,
Until I tingle!
I wanna be kissed,
Starting tonight!

Embrace until
our heartbeats intermingle,
Wrong or right!

I feel like acting my age!
I’m passed the stage of merely turtle-doving!
(Be careful! Be careful what you do!)
I’m in no mood to resist,
And I insist the world owes me a loving!

I wanna be thrilled
To desperation!
I wanna be thrilled,
starting tonight!
(Love me! Love me! Love me!)

With every kind of wonderful sensation!
I wanna be loved!

I feel like acting my age!
I’m passed the stage of merely turtle-doving!
I’m in no mood to resist,
And I insist the world owes me a loving!

I wanna be thrilled to desperation!
(I wanna be thrilled!I wanna be thrilled!)
I wanna be thrilled, starting tonight!
(I wanna be thrilled tonight!)

With every kind of wonderful sensation,
I wanna be loved!

If you find any good audio or video for this song, please let me know in the comments.

More language issues

This may seem to be an unnecessary post, but I feel that this has to be said once and for all. English is not my primary language, and thus my language may not be perfect at all times. I know I have some problems with prepositions, for example, and probably a lot of errors of different kinds will sneak into my posts. However, I do very much appreciate comments on my language. Any constructive criticism will help me learn and improve my language.

Then, why do I write this in English in the first place? Well, apart from the fact that writing in Swedish, which is my native tongue, would be a bit easier, there really is no reason to exclude a majority of my already small potential reader base by writing in a language spoken by only a small fraction of that base. And I do like to practice my English.

Sentimental Me - Ames Brothers

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single June 10 - July 23



Lyrics:

Sentimental me
Guess I'll always be
So in love with you
Don't know what to do
Sentimental me

Dreaming while I live
Living just to give
All my love to you
No one else will do
Sentimental me

Reaching for the moon
And wishing on a star
On my honeymoon
I want to be where you are

Darling, can't you see
It was meant to be
I'm in love with you
Say you love me too
Sentimental me

[Instrumental Interlude]

Reaching for the moon (reaching for the moon)
And wishing on a star (wishing on a star)
On my honeymoon (on my honeymoon)
I want to be where you are

Darling, can't you see
It was meant to be
I'm in love with you
Say you love me too
Sentimental me

Download Sentimental Me at Amazon.com

Hoop-Dee-Doo - Perry Como with Fontane Sisters

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single June 3 - June 9



Lyrics:

Hoop-Dee-Doo, Hoop-Dee-Doo
I hear a polka and my troubles are through
Hoop-Dee-Dee, Hoop-Dee-Dee
This kind of music is like heaven to me
Hoop-Dee-Doo, Hoop-Dee-Doo
Has got me higher than a kite
Hand me down my soup and fish, I am gonna get my wish
Hoop-Dee-Doin' it tonight

When there's a trombone playin' I get a thrill, I always will
When there's a concertina stretched about a mile
I always smile 'cause that's my style
When there's a fiddle in the middle oh it really is a riddle how he plays a tune so sweet
Plays a tune so sweet that I could die Lead me to the floor and hear me yell for more
'cause I'm a Hoop-Dee-Doin' kind of guy

(Hoop-Dee-Doo), Hoop-Dee-Doo
(Hoop-Dee-Doo), Hoop-De-Doo
(I hear a polka and my troubles are through)-ha, ha, ha, ha
(Hoop-Dee-Doo), Hoop-Dee-Doo
(Hoop-Dee-Dee) Hoop-De-Dee
(This kind of music is like heaven to me)

Oh, Hoop-Dee-Doo (Hoop-Dee-Doo)
Hoop-Dee-Doo (Hoop-Dee-Doo)
Has got me higher than a kite
Hand me down my soup and fish, I am gonna get my wish
Hoop-Dee-Doin' it tonight

(When there's a trombone playin') (He gets a thrill) I get a thrill, I always will (He always will)
(When there's a concertina) stretched about a mile
I always smile (You'll see him smile) 'cause that's my style (Oh, that's his style)
When there's a fiddle in the middle oh it really is a riddle how he plays a tune so sweet
(Plays a tune so sweet that we could die) Ah, yes lead me to the floor and hear me yell
for more 'cause I'm a Hoop-Dee-Doin' kind of guy

Oh, Hoop-Dee-Doo, Hoop-Dee-Doo
It's got us higher than a kite
They're in clover, we're in bloom, when we're dancin' give us room
Hoop-De-Doin' it with all of our might
Rain may fall and snow may come, nothin's gonna stop us from
Hoop-Dee-Doin' it
Hoop-Dee-Doin' it
Hoop-Dee-Doin' it tonight

Download Hoop-Dee-Doo at Amazon.com

The Third Man Theme - Guy Lombardo

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single May 5 - June 2

This is interesting: Immediately after Anton Karas' original recording of The Third Man Theme left the number one spot on the billboard list, it's place was taken by Guy Lombardo's version of the very same song. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any good audio or video for this version, so if you know of one, please let me know in the comments.

However, there's a preview at Amazon.com, where the full audio can also be downloaded:

Download and preview at Amazon.com

Now, let's move on to the next song to top the billboard chart. It will be posted during the day.

The Third Man Theme - Anton Karas

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single Apr. 29 - May 4



This one is a real classic! Before The Third Man, Anton Karas was an unknown zither player, playing at cafés and bars. The exposure he got from The Third Man turned him into an international star.

I never knew the old Vienna before the war, with its Strauss music, its glamour and easy charm -- Constantinople suited me better. I really got to know it in the classic period of the Black Market. We'd run anything, if people wanted it enough- mmm - had the money to pay. Of course, a situation like that does tempt amateurs, but you know they can't stay the course like a professional.

Now the city - it's divided into four zones, you know, each occupied by a power - the American, the British, the Russian, and the French. But the center of the city - that's international, policed by an International Patrol, one member of each of the four powers. Wonderful. What a hope they had, all of them strangers to the place and none of them could speak the same language, except a sort of smattering of German. Good fellows on the whole, did their best, you know. Vienna doesn't really look any worse than a lot of other European cities, bombed about a bit.

Oh, I was gonna tell you, wait, I was gonna tell you about Holly Martins, an American. Came all the way here to visit a friend of his. The name is Lime, Harry Lime. Now Martins was broke and Lime had offered him some sort - I don't know - some sort of a job. Anyway, there he was, poor chap, happy as a lark and without a cent.

Download The Third Man Theme at Amazon.com:
Original version| Another version

If I Knew You Were Comin' Id've Baked a Cake - Eileen Barton

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single Mar. 25 - Apr. 28



Lyrics:

SPOKEN: Come in! Well, well, well. Look who's here. I haven't seen you in many
a year.

If I knew you were comin' I'd've baked a cake, baked a cake, baked a cake
If I knew you were comin' I'd've baked a cake
Howdya do, howdya do, howdya do?

Had you dropped me a letter, I'd a-hired a band, grandest band in the land
Had you dropped me a letter, I'd a-hired a band
And spread the welcome mat for you

Oh, I don't know where you came from
'cause I don't know where you've been
But it really doesn't matter
Grab a chair and fill your platter
And dig, dig, dig right in

If I knew you were comin' I'd've baked a cake, hired a band, goodness sake!
If I knew you were comin' I'd've baked a cake
Howdya do, howdya do, howdya do?

If I knew you were comin' I'd've baked a cake, baked a cake, baked a cake
If I knew you were comin' I'd've baked a cake
Howdya do, howdya do, howdya do?

Had you dropped me a letter, I'd a-hired a band, grandest band in the land
Had you dropped me a letter, I'd a-hired a band
Spread the welcome mat for you

Oh, I don't know where you came from
'cause I don't know where you've been
But it really doesn't matter
Grab a chair and fill your platter
And dig, dig, dig right in

If I knew you were comin' I'd've baked a cake, hired a band, goodness sake!
If I knew you were comin' I'd've baked a cake
Howdya do, howdya do, howdya do?

Howdya do, howdya do, howdya do?
Howdya do-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh

Download this song at Amazon.com

Music! Music! Music! - Teresa Brewer

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single Mar. 18 - Mar. 24



You may recognize this song, even if you haven't heard this particular version of it. It has been recorded in numerous versions since Teresa Brewer's popular recording. Bill Haley & His Comets recorded an instrumental version, but I can't seem to find any audio of that version. If you find one, please tell me in the comments.

Lyrics:

Put another nickel in
In the nickelodeon
All I want is having you
And music, music, music

I'd do anything for you
Anything you'd want me to
All I want is kissin' you
And music, music, music

Closer, my dear, come closer
The nicest part of any melody
Is when you're dancing close to me

So, put another nickel in
In the nickelodeon
All I want is lovin' you
And music, music, music

[Instrumental Interlude]

Put another nickel in
In the nickelodeon
All I want is having you
And music, music, music

I'd do anything for you
Anything you'd want me to
All I want is kissin' you
And music, music, music

Closer, my dear, come closer
The nicest part of any melody
Is when you're dancing close to me

So, put another nickel in
In the nickelodeon
All I want is lovin' you
And music, music, music

"C'mon, everybody
Put some nickels in
And keep that old Nickelodeon playing"

Music, Music, Music
Dum-dee, dum-dee, dah-dee-dum
Dum-dee, dum-dee, dah-dee-dum
Dum-dee, dum-dee, dah-dee-dum
And music, music, music

Dum-dee, dum-dee, dah-dee-dum
Dum-dee, dum-dee, dah-dee-dum
Dum-dee, dum-dee, dah-dee-dum
And music, music, music

Lyrics quoted from Lyricstime.com.

Shamefully, I must admit that until I really listened to this song, I thought that "Nickelodeon" was just the name of a TV channel. Then again, English is not my first language..

Download Music! Music! Music! at Amazon.com

The Cry Of The Wild Goose - Frankie Laine

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single Mar. 11 - Mar. 17



This is our second Frankie Laine song on the billboard top. Sorry about the awful sound quality.

Lyrics:

My heart knows what the wild goose knows,
I must go where the wild goose goes.
Wild goose, brother goose, which is best?
A wanderin' fool or a heart at rest?

Tonight I heard the wild goose cry,
Wingin' north in the lonely sky.
Tried to sleep, it weren't no use,
'Cause I am a brother to the old wild goose,

(Oh, my heart knows what the wild goose knows,)
(And I must go where the wild goose goes.)
Wild goose, brother goose, which is best?
A wanderin' fool or a heart at rest?

Woman was kind and true to me.
She thinks she loves me, the more fool she.
She's got a love that ain't no use,
To love a brother of the old wild goose.

(My heart knows what the wild goose knows,)
(And I must go where the wild goose goes.)
Wild goose, brother goose, which is best?
A wanderin' fool or a heart at rest?
(Oh, you wild goose.)

The cabin is warm and the snow is deep,
I got a woman who lies asleep.
She'll wake at tomorrow's dawn,
She'll find, poor critter, that her man is gone.
(Oh, you wild goose.)

My heart knows what the wild goose knows,
I must go where the wild goose goes.
Wild goose, brother goose, which is best?
A wanderin' fool or a heart at rest?
Let me fly, let me fly, let me fly away.

Spring is comin' and the ice will break,
I can't linger for a woman's sake.
She'll see a shadow pass overhead.
She'll find my feathers beside my bed.

(My heart knows what the wild goose knows,)
(And I must go where the wild goose goes.)
Wild goose, brother goose, which is best?
A wanderin' fool or a heart at rest?

(Wild goose, wild goose, wild goose, wild goose.)

Lyrics quoted from Cowboylyrics.com.

Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy - Red Foley

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single Feb. 11 - Mar. 10



Lyrics:

Have you ever passed the corner of Forth and Grand?
Where a little ball o' rhythm has a shoe-shine stand
People gather 'round and they clap their hands
He's a great big bundle o' joy
He pops the boogie woogie rag
The Chattanoogie shoe-shine boy

He charges you a nickel just to shine one shoe
He makes the oldest kind o' leather look like new
You feel as though you wanna dance when he gets through
He's a great big bundle o' joy
He pops the boogie woogie rag
The Chattanoogie shoe-shine boy

It's a wonder that the rag don't tear
The way he makes it pop
You ought to see him fan the air
With his hoppity-hippity-hippity-hoppity-hoppity-hippity-hop

He opens up for business when the clock strikes nine
He likes to get up early when they're feelin' fine
Everybody gets a little rise 'n shine
With the great big bundle o' joy
He pops the boogie woogie rag
The Chattanoogie shoe-shine boy

------ instrumental break ------

It's a wonder that the rag don't tear
The way he makes it pop
Just listen to him fan the air
Here he goes!

He opens up for business when the clock strikes nine
He likes to get up early when they're feelin' fine
Everybody gets a little rise 'n shine
With the great big bundle o' joy
He pops the boogie woogie rag
The Chattanoogie shoe-shine boy

The Chattanoogie shoe-shine boy

Lyrics quoted from Lyricsdownload.com.

I Can Dream, Can't I - Andrews Sisters

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single Jan. 14 - Feb. 10

I was unable to find any good video or audio for this song. The best I could come up with was this snippet on Lastfm.se. Click the play button on the media player in the column to the right.

If you can find a better audio or video, please tell me in the comments.

Lyrics:

I can see
No matter how near you'll be
You'll never belong to me
But I can dream, can't I?
Can't I pretend that I'm locked in the bend of your embrace?
For dreams are just like wine
And I am drunk with mine

I'm aware
My heart is a sad affair
There's much disillusion there
But I can dream, can't I?
Can't I adore you
Although we are oceans apart?
I can't make you open your heart
But I can dream, can't I?

I'm aware
My heart is a sad affair
There's much disillusion there
But I can dream, can't I?
Can't I adore you
Although we are oceans apart?
I can't make you open your heart
But I can dream, can't I?

(dream on, dream on, dream on)

Lyrics quoted from Allthelyrics.com.

Since I can't post a full audio for this song, I'll move forward the posting of the next song instead. It will be posted during the day.

Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer - Gene Autry

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single Jan. 7 - Jan. 13



In the real world, we're nowhere near Christmas, but our time machine is currently passing by January 1950, so this is the perfect time for a Christmas song. This song, that is still popular to this day, was not originally written and performed by Gene Autry, but he played a big part in it's popularization. For more reference on this song and the story behind it, see the Wikipedia article.

Lyrics:

You know Dasher and Dancer
And Prancer and Vixen,
Comet and Cupid
And Donner and Blitzen.
But do you recall
The most famous reindeer of all?

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
Had a very shiny nose
And if you ever saw it
You would even say it glows
All of the other reindeer
Used to laugh and call him names
They never let poor Rudolph
Join in any reindeer games

Then one foggy Christmas Eve
Santa came to say
Rudolph with your nose so bright
Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?
Then how the reindeer loved him
And they shouted out with glee
"Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
You'll go down in history!"

Download this song at Amazon.com

Language problems

Some parts of the Blogspot template refuse to translate to English. I keep changing, saving and reloading, but those Swedish words just won't go away. So for the sake of overclarification, here's a miniature glossary:

Kommentarer - Comments
Etiketter - Labels, tags

Update: Problem solved. If you find any other strange, seemingly foreign words, or other problems, please let me know in the comments.

Mule Train - Frankie Laine

Billboard Magazine's #1 Single Nov. 26, 1949 - Jan. 6, 1950



Lyrics:

Mule train, yeah, yeah.
Mule train: clippetty-clopping over hill and plain.
Seems as how they’ll never stop.
Clippetty-clop, clippetty-clop, clippetty, clippetty,
clippetty, clippetty, clippetty-clopping along.

There’s a plug of chaw tobaccy for a rancher in Corolla;
A guitar for a cowboy way out in Arizona;
A dress of callico for a pretty Navajo.
Get along mule, get along.

Mule train, yeah, yeah.
Mule train: clippetty-clopping along the mountain chain.
Seems as though they're gonna recah the top.
Clippetty-clop, clippetty-clop, clippetty, clippetty,
clippetty, clippetty, clippetty-clopping along.

There’s some cotton thread and needle for the folks away out yonder.
A shovel for a miner who left his home to wander.
Some rheumatism pills for the settlers in the hills.
Get along mule, get along.

Mule train, yeah, yeah.
Mule train: clippetty-clopping through the wind and rain.
They'll keep going till they drop.
Clippetty-clop, clippetty-clop, clippetty, clippetty,
clippetty, clippetty, clippetty-clopping along.

There’s a letter full of sadness and it’s black around the border.
A pair of boots for someone who had them made to order.
A Bible in the pack for the Reverend Mr Black.
Get along mule, get along.

Get along mule, get along. (Mule train.)
Get along, get along.

Lyrics quoted from Cowboylyrics.com.

The year 1950

1950 was the start of the fast changes that would be seen in the next 2 decades , the great depression was becoming a faint memory and families were moving out to the suburbs, kids watched howdy doody on 12 inch black and white TV sets and spent Saturday afternoons watching cartoons at Cinema matinees, times were gentler with little violence and the consumer revolution was about to start in a big way, and the man of the household became the sole breadwinner. The median family income was $3,300 a year and milk was still delivered to the doorstep.

Quoted from Thepeoplehistory.com