I Want the Waiter (With the Water)

Greg Vincent · Post by **Greg Vincent** » 8 Aug 2008 7:52 am

Why does this song live on???

It has some of the lamest lyrics I've ever heard in the jazz songbook.

Am I missing something? Some back-story that makes this lyric clever or meaningful? Is it part of a musical in whose context the song makes sense?

Is it known just because Ella did it?

-Curious in L.A.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 13 Aug 2008 4:41 pm

I suppose Ella's hit record of the song didn't hurt!

Seriously, goofy-simple lyrics were the hallmark of many of the old jazz tunes from the '20s to thru the '40s. Songs like "Has Anybody Seen My Gal?", "Ain't We Got Fun?", "Baby Face", and "Ain't She Sweet?" seem awfully trite now, but they were once regular plays on the radios and Victrolas across the country.

Billy Wilson · Post by **Billy Wilson** » 14 Aug 2008 2:42 am

Not to mention Ella's other hit"A Tisket a Taskit"

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 14 Aug 2008 2:52 am

And who can forget 'Two Little Men in a Flying Saucer?'

chas smith R.I.P. · Post by **chas smith R.I.P.** » 14 Aug 2008 7:04 pm

Frim Fram Sauce.

James Cann · Post by **James Cann** » 17 Aug 2008 2:58 pm

Mairzydoatsandoazeydoatsanliddulambzeedivy?