Peanut Vendor
Anita O'Day & Russ Garcia and His Orchestra Lyrics

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Peanuts
Peanuts
If you haven't got bananas, don't be blue
Peanuts in a little bag are calling you
For at the very break of day
A peanut vendor's on his way
Through every city, town, and country lane
You'll hear him sing his plaintive little strain

And the sing goes by to you he'll say
peanuts roasted today
Peanuts freshly roasted today
If you're looking for a moral to this song
Fifty million little monkeys can't be wrong

Peanuts, Money, money
Peanuts, Today

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Anita O'Day's "Peanut Vendor" are a nostalgic tribute to a time when street vendors roamed the city streets, selling their wares to locals and tourists alike. The song paints a vivid picture of a peanut vendor, making his way through every city, town, and country lane, singing a "plaintive little strain." The lyrics advise listeners to not be blue if they don't have bananas, since they can always indulge in a little bag of peanuts. The peanuts in the bag are "calling" to them, reminding them that they can be enjoyed at any time of day.

The lyrics also mention that the peanuts are freshly roasted, which adds to their appeal. The singer notes that every day, at the very break of day, the peanut vendor sets off on his journey. He travels far and wide, intent on spreading the joy of peanuts to all who will listen. The song ends with a wry observation: "If you're looking for a moral to this song, fifty million little monkeys can't be wrong." This line could be interpreted as a nod to the fact that even though peanuts are a simple pleasure, they are beloved the world over.

Overall, the lyrics to "Peanut Vendor" are a sweet and earnest homage to a bygone era, when street vendors were a common sight in urban areas. The song is a reminder of the joys of simple pleasures, and how the things we love can bring us together.

Line by Line Meaning

Peanuts
The primary product being sold

Peanuts
Reiteration of the primary product being sold

If you haven't got bananas, don't be blue
Don't be disheartened if you don't have the perfect complement to the peanuts

Peanuts in a little bag are calling you
The peanuts are tempting and easily accessible in their small packaging

For at the very break of day
The peanut vendor starts his day early

A peanut vendor's on his way
The vendor is dedicated and always on the move

Through every city, town, and country lane
The vendor reaches all corners of the market

You'll hear him sing his plaintive little strain
The vendor's unique song helps him stand out in the crowded market

And the sing goes by to you he'll say
The vendor's song is directed at each potential customer

peanuts roasted today
The peanuts are fresh and hot

Peanuts freshly roasted today
Reiteration that the peanuts are fresh and hot