Roly Poly
Bob Wills & The Texas Playboys Lyrics
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Roly Poly, yeah
(Come in, Tommy)
Roly Poly, eatin' corn and taters (yeah)
Hungry every minute of the day (ah)
Roly poly, gnawin' on a biscuit
Long as he can chew it, it's okay
And never even bat an eye
He likes everything from soup to hay
Roly Poly, daddy's little fatty
Bet he's gonna be a man someday
(Ah)
Roly Poly, scrambled eggs for breakfast
Bread and jelly 20 times a day (ah)
Roly Poly, eats a hearty dinner
It takes lots of strength to run and play (yes, yes)
Pulls up weeds and does the chores
And he runs both ways top all the stores
He works up an appetite that way
Oh, Roly Poly, daddy's little fatty
Bet he's gonna be a man someday
The song "Roly Poly" by Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys is a fun and lighthearted tune about a young boy who loves to eat. The lyrics describe this "roly poly" child who is constantly hungry and eating throughout the day. He enjoys everything from corn and taters to scrambled eggs and bread and jelly. The song also portrays the child as a hard worker who helps out with chores and runs errands, which keeps him active and strong.
The lyrics of "Roly Poly" celebrate the joys of childhood and the simple pleasures of eating and playing. The child's love for food is seen as endearing and charming, and his active lifestyle is praised as a way to build strength and character. The repetition of the phrase "daddy's little fatty" suggests a loving and affectionate relationship between the child and his father, one that recognizes the child's quirks and imperfections but loves him just the same.
Overall, "Roly Poly" is a delightful and catchy tune that celebrates the joys of childhood and the pleasures of eating and playing. It reminds us to savor the simple pleasures of life and to appreciate the people in our lives who love us for who we are.
Line by Line Meaning
Roly Poly, yeah
Start of the song with an expression of enthusiasm
Roly Poly, eatin' corn and taters (yeah)
Describing the titular character's eating habits
Hungry every minute of the day (ah)
Stating the insatiable appetite of Roly Poly
Roly poly, gnawin' on a biscuit
Long as he can chew it, it's okay
Continuing to describe Roly Poly's eating habits and his satisfaction with what he's able to eat
He can eat an apple pie
And never even bat an eye
He likes everything from soup to hay
Emphasizing how Roly Poly can eat anything without hesitation
Roly Poly, daddy's little fatty
Bet he's gonna be a man someday
Acknowledging Roly Poly's current stature but also his potential and future growth
Roly Poly, scrambled eggs for breakfast
Bread and jelly 20 times a day (ah)
Detailing Roly Poly's eating habits throughout the day, including his breakfast and snacking habits
Roly Poly, eats a hearty dinner
It takes lots of strength to run and play (yes, yes)
Noting that Roly Poly's hearty dinner is necessary for him to have the energy to be active
Pulls up weeds and does the chores
And he runs both ways top all the stores
He works up an appetite that way
Explaining how Roly Poly's daily activities, like doing chores and running errands, increase his appetite
Oh, Roly Poly, daddy's little fatty
Bet he's gonna be a man someday
Repeating the chorus to tie the song together and emphasize once again Roly Poly's potential
Lyrics © DistroKid, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Fred Rose
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jimfiedler2704
I used to sing this old classic to my son while feeding him...He is now 60, great old memories...
@magnificentfailure2390
My dad told me this song made him think of me when I was 12.
It still kind of makes me sad, 47 years later.
Give your son a hug.
@gorelord3734
My pops used to sing this to me too when I was a boy!
@pashantzhowell5049
I sing this to my baby when I nurse him. It’s sweet to know it’s been happening this long
@dans49dodge
My father sang it to me when I was growing up.
I'm now 59 years old.
@sherriberri9550
Me and my Pa used to torment our local AM station by calling in and asking for this song so much. This and the Hank Williams version! I miss that man, but this makes me smile and remember. 💚
@chuckbump5386
It don't matter who's in Austin, Bob Wills is still the King"
@ronniebishop2496
It don’t matter who’s anywhere.
@sunofpeter2
Heck yah fellas!!!
@gaggle57
a friend's father had a bunch of 78s he let me dig through, this was in there. A real gem.