A Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight
Al Jolson & Bing Crosby Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For there's going to be a meeting in this good good old town.
When you know everybody and they all know you,
And you get a rabbit's foot to keep away them hoodoos.
When you hear the preachin' has begin,
Bend down low for to drive away your sin,
When you get religion you'll wanna shout and sing,
My baby, when you hear them bells go dingaling,
All turn around and sweetly you must sing.
When the birds dance too, and the poets will all join in,
There'll be a hot time in old town tonight!
There'll be girls for everybody in this good good old town,
There's Miss Gonzola Davis and Miss Gondoola Brown,
There's Miss Henrietta Caesar, and she's all dressed in red,
I just hug and kiss her, and to me then she said,
"Please, oh please, oh do not let me fall,
You are mine and I love you best of all!
You be my man, I'll have no man at all,
There'll be a hot time in old town tonight!"
My baby, when you hear them bells go dingaling,
All join around and sweetly you must sing.
When the birds dance too, and the poets will all join in,
There'll be a hot time in old town tonight!
In Al Jolson's "In The Big Time," the lyrics depict a festive atmosphere in a small town, where everyone knows each other and there is a sense of community. The phrase "there's going to be a meeting" may be a reference to a religious revival, as later in the song there is mention of "gettin' religion." When one gets religion, they want to "shout and sing," which is a celebration of the arrival of the Holy Spirit. The call to "wear your grand brand-new gown" and the mention of specific women imply that this is a celebration or a party, perhaps in honor of the religious event.
The lyrics also mention a sense of superstition with the line "And you get a rabbit's foot to keep away them hoodoos." The belief in hoodoos or curses was common in Southern folk culture and the rabbit's foot was considered a lucky charm.
The song emphasizes the idea of community and coming together to celebrate. It depicts a time and place where everyone knows each other and nobody is a stranger. The reference to the poets and the birds joining in the festivities also adds to the picture of a town that is alive with music and joy.
Line by Line Meaning
Come along, get ready, wear your grand brand-new gown,
Get ready for a big event in town by dressing up in your newest, fanciest outfit.
For there's going to be a meeting in this good good old town.
A large gathering is about to take place in this wonderful, historic town.
When you know everybody and they all know you,
Once you become familiar with everyone and everyone recognizes you,
And you get a rabbit's foot to keep away them hoodoos.
you'll need a rabbit's foot to ward off any bad luck or curses.
When you hear the preachin' has begin,
When the sermon starts to be delivered,
Bend down low for to drive away your sin,
humble yourself to get rid of any wrongdoing you've done,
When you get religion you'll wanna shout and sing,
once you embrace faith and spirituality, you'll feel like expressing it through song and exclamation,
There'll be a hot time in old town tonight!
Such a lively, exciting atmosphere will make the entire town 'hot' with activity and energy!
My baby, when you hear them bells go dingaling,
Sweetheart, when you hear the bells begin to ring,
All turn around and sweetly you must sing.
everyone will start to spin and sing sweetly in unison.
When the birds dance too, and the poets will all join in,
Birds and poets alike will both be compelled to dance and celebrate the joyous occasion,
There'll be a hot time in old town tonight!
Once again, the excitement and fervor of the gathering will make the town sizzle with energy!
There'll be girls for everybody in this good good old town,
Men will find plenty of lovely ladies around town to spend time with and woo.
There's Miss Gonzola Davis and Miss Gondoola Brown,
There are two particularly beautiful and desirable women, Gonzola Davis and Gondoola Brown, around.
There's Miss Henrietta Caesar, and she's all dressed in red,
Another lovely lady, Henrietta Caesar, is wearing a bright red outfit to stand out and impress.
I just hug and kiss her, and to me then she said,
The artist embraces and kisses Henrietta, who then says to him:
"Please, oh please, oh do not let me fall,
"Please don't let me fall or get hurt;
You are mine and I love you best of all!
because you are mine and I have the deepest love and admiration for you!
You be my man, I'll have no man at all,
If you become my partner, I will not be interested in anyone else!
There'll be a hot time in old town tonight!
Once again, this lively atmosphere will fill the town with heat and excitement!
Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC
Written by: DEVRIES BUSHKIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind