The purpose of the band was to stir pro-Nazi sympathy, draw attention to World War II Allied losses, and carry Adolf Hitler's messages in an entertaining form. The songs stressed how badly the war was going for the target audience, and how it was only going to be a matter of time before they would be beaten.
Led by German accented front man Karl Schwedler ("Charlie"), conducted by Lutz Templin, and paced by drummer Fritz "Freddie" Brocksieper, the band included Kurt Abraham on reeds and Willy Berking on trombone. The group formed in 1940, making over 90 recordings between March 1941 and February 1943. Arrangements were by Templin, Willy Berking, and Franz Mück, with lyrics written by the Propagandaministerium. Schwedler was allowed permission to travel to neutral and occupied countries to collect jazz and dance music, which helped the band and propaganda ministry to craft more recordings.
Popular American swing songs - and popular British tunes/songs - were initially performed true to the original, until about the second or third verse which were replaced by pro-German lyrics and monologues. For example, in the tune You're Driving Me Crazy, Schwedler croons about the confusion of new love, and in the third verse continues: Here is Winston Churchill's latest tear-jerker: Yes, the Germans are driving me crazy / I thought I had brains / But they shot down my planes..." Later, the entire lyric would be modified, clearly based on the original. The band even recorded some "cover versions" of the originals, unaltered.
Indeed, anecdotal accounts indicate that Winston Churchill enjoyed the broadcasts, finding the lyrics hilarious.
Many of the members of Charlie and his Orchestra went on to successful careers in music after the war.
Elmer's Tune
Charlie and His Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What makes a fellow start thinkin' of fallin' in love?
It's not the season, the reason is plain as the moon
It's just Elmer's tune
What makes a lady of eighty go out on the loose?
Why does a gander meander in search of a goose?
What puts the kick in a chicken, the magic in June?
It's just Elmer's tune
Sing it, swing it, any old way and any old time
The hurdy gurdies, the birdies, the cop on the beat
The candy maker, the baker, the man on the street
The city charmer, the farmer, the man in the moon
All sing Elmer's tune
Why are the stars always winkin' and blinkin' above?
What makes a fellow start thinkin' of fallin' in love?
It's not the season, the reason is plain as the moon
It's just Elmer's tune
What makes a lady of eighty go out on the loose?
Why does a gander meander in search of a goose?
What puts the kick in a chicken, the magic in June?
It's just Elmer's tune
Listen, listen, there's a lot you're li'ble to be missin'
Sing it, swing it, any old way and any old time
The hurdy gurdies, the birdies, the cop on the beat
The candy maker, the baker, the man on the street
The city charmer, the farmer, the man in the moon
All sing Elmer's tune
The lyrics to Charlie and His Orchestra's "Elmer's Tune" express a sense of wonder and awe at the inexplicable things that spark emotions and actions in people. The song asks rhetorical questions about why stars seem to twinkle, why animals behave in certain ways, and why people fall in love, ultimately landing on the answer that it's just Elmer's tune. This phrase is likely meant to convey the idea that there are certain intangible, unexplainable factors at play in the world, and that sometimes we just have to accept them without fully understanding them.
Overall, the song seems to celebrate the joy and spontaneity of life, encouraging listeners to embrace the unpredictable and to find pleasure in the small things, whether it's the sound of a hurdy-gurdy or the sight of a man on the moon. The repetitive and upbeat melody, as well as the playful and whimsical lyrics, contribute to a lighthearted and carefree vibe that feels reminiscent of swing and big band music.
Line by Line Meaning
Why are the stars always winkin' and blinkin' above?
What causes the stars to twinkle?
What makes a fellow start thinkin' of fallin' in love?
What triggers a man to consider love?
It's not the season, the reason is plain as the moon
It's not due to the time of year, the reason is obvious
It's just Elmer's tune
It's because of the popular song 'Elmer's tune'
What makes a lady of eighty go out on the loose?
What motivates an elderly woman to go out and have fun?
Why does a gander meander in search of a goose?
Why does a male goose wander looking for a female?
What puts the kick in a chicken, the magic in June?
What makes a chicken lively, or June a magical month?
It's just Elmer's tune
It's because of the popular song 'Elmer's tune'
Listen, listen, there's a lot you're li'ble to be missin'
Pay attention! You might be missing out on something.
Sing it, swing it, any old way and any old time
Sing and enjoy the song in any style or at any time.
The hurdy gurdies, the birdies, the cop on the beat
The musical instruments, the birds, and the police officer
The candy maker, the baker, the man on the street
The confectioner, the baker, and the ordinary person
The city charmer, the farmer, the man in the moon
The charming city person, the farmer, and the mythological man in the moon
All sing Elmer's tune
Everyone sings the popular song 'Elmer's tune'
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ELMER ALBRECHT, SAMMY GALLOP, DAN JURGENS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ryan Murphy
on Dinah
Thanks for these lyrics. Fine music.