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 MĂźck, 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.
Makin Whoopee
Charlie and His Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Another sunny honeymoon
Another season, another reason
For makin' whoopee
A lot of shoes, a lot of rice
The groom is nervous, he answers twice
Its really killin' that he's so willin'
Picture a little love nest
Down where the roses cling
Picture the same sweet love nest
Think what a year can bring
He's washin' dishes and baby clothes
He's so ambitious he even sews
But don't forget folks,
That's what you get folks, for makin' whoopee
He doesn't make much money
Five thousand dollars per;
Some judge who thinks he's funny
Says, "You pay six to her."
He says, "Now judge, suppose I fail?"
The judge says, "Budge, right into jail.
You'd better keep her
I think it's cheaper
Than making whoopee."
The lyrics of "Makin' Whoopee" by Charlie and His Orchestra depict the cycle of love, marriage, and the challenges that come with it. The opening lines suggest the repetition of the marrying season, with the mention of another bride and another June, setting the stage for another honeymoon. The term "makin' whoopee" is used as a metaphor for the physical and emotional intimacy between a couple. It represents the passion and excitement that initially accompanies a new relationship.
The song highlights the contrast between the ecstatic beginning of a marriage and the realities and responsibilities that follow. The reference to shoes and rice symbolizes the traditional wedding customs, while the groom's nervousness and willingness to make whoopee can be seen as an expression of his eagerness to please his bride. The imagery of a love nest and the mention of chores like washing dishes and sewing emphasize the everyday routines and domestic tasks that come with maintaining a marriage.
The lyrics take a slightly satirical tone when the couple's financial situation becomes a point of contention. The reference to the groom's limited income and the judge's decision for him to pay more in alimony reflects the strain that financial issues can place on a relationship. The judge's response to the groom's plea to avoid jail time, suggesting that it is cheaper to keep his wife, adds a touch of dark humor to the song.
Overall, "Makin' Whoopee" explores the bittersweet reality of love and marriage by juxtaposing the excitement of new romance with the challenges and sacrifices that follow.
Line by Line Meaning
Another bride, another June
Yet another wedding, yet another month of June
Another sunny honeymoon
Another joyful vacation for the newlyweds
Another season, another reason
Every season brings a new motive
For makin' whoopee
To engage in romantic intimacy
A lot of shoes, a lot of rice
Many guests attending, lots of traditions
The groom is nervous, he answers twice
The groom is anxious, reaffirming his commitment
Its really killin' that he's so willin'
It's painful to see how eager he is
To make whoopee
To indulge in physical love
Picture a little love nest
Imagine a cozy home for the couple
Down where the roses cling
In a place adorned with clinging roses
Picture the same sweet love nest
Imagine that love nest after some time
Think what a year can bring
Consider the changes a year can bring
He's washin' dishes and baby clothes
He takes care of household chores
He's so ambitious he even sews
He is driven, even sewing clothes
But don't forget folks,
However, let's not overlook
That's what you get folks, for makin' whoopee
These are the consequences of engaging in passion
He doesn't make much money
He earns a small income
Five thousand dollars per;
Five thousand dollars annually
Some judge who thinks he's funny
A judge with a sense of humor
Says, "You pay six to her."
Instructs to pay six thousand to the spouse
He says, "Now judge, suppose I fail?"
He questions the judge about potential failure
The judge says, "Budge, right into jail.
The judge replies, threatening jail time
You'd better keep her
You should stick with her
I think it's cheaper
I believe it's more cost-effective
Than making whoopee."
Than indulging in physical love.
Lyrics Š DONALDSON PUBLISHING CO, TOBAGO MUSIC COMPANY, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Walter Donaldson, Gus Kahn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@AxmedGurey_Al-Ghazi
Endorsed by Vowsh
@Nateisincrediblygay
Vowsh ist FĂźher!
@Tee_34
Ein Volk, Ein Reich, Ein Schtreamer!
@HistorySucksV
Vowsh ist gud
@_frogerino
we are vaush army
@omniputin4124
He loved it so much he cried immediately
@kenshin4113
Kanye west if he was living in the swing era.
@Forcoy
He'd probably be shot for being black before he could record this pure masterpiece.
@Thobeian
@@Forcoy Oh Hitler would have LOVED a get like Kanye if he could have gotten one American celebrity to defect. The potential to just subvert an entire countryâs population by brainwashing one mentally unstable personâŚ
@TheGunboat
@@ForcoyNaw, heâd be the black Ernst Rohm