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.
I Double Dare You
Charlie and His Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I double dare you to lend me your ear
Take off your high hat and let's get friendly
Don't be a scared cat; say, what do you care?
Can't you take a dare?
I double dare you to kiss me, and then
I double dare you to kiss me again
I double dare you to fall in love with me
Hot mama, I double dare you
The song I Double Dare You by Charlie and His Orchestra is a flirtatious invitation to a person to come and sit with the singer, let down their guard and have some fun. The singer challenges the person to take risks, let go of their fears and show their interest. It is a bold and provocative song that speaks to a desire for intimacy and connection.
The repeated use of "double dare" is an attempt to encourage the listener to take part in a playful game of daring each other to take risks. The singer is confident and daring, unafraid to express their desires and challenge the listener to do the same. The playful nature of the song is emphasized by the repeated use of rhyming and rhythmic phrases that add to the overall fun and flirtatious tone.
The song can be seen as a representation of the boldness and freedom of expression that characterized much of the music of the 1930s and 40s. At the same time, it reflects the social norms of that time, where men were expected to be daring and confident in their pursuit of women, and women were expected to be receptive to this pursuit.
Line by Line Meaning
I double dare you to sit over here
I challenge and urge you to come sit next to me.
I double dare you to lend me your ear
I challenge you to listen to what I have to say.
Take off your high hat and let's get friendly
Don't be arrogant, let's be friends.
Don't be a scared cat; say, what do you care?
Don't be afraid, it doesn't matter to you anyway.
Can't you take a dare?
Can't you accept a challenge?
I double dare you to kiss me, and then
I challenge and urge you to kiss me.
I double dare you to kiss me again
I challenge and urge you to kiss me once more.
And if that look in your eyes means what I'm thinkin' of
If your gaze implies what I'm hoping for.
I double dare you to fall in love with me
I challenge and urge you to develop romantic feelings for me.
Hot mama, I double dare you
Attractive woman, I challenge and urge you.
Lyrics © SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC.
Written by: J. EATON, T. SHAND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ryan Murphy
on Dinah
Thanks for these lyrics. Fine music.