Zoot Suit Riot
Cherry Poppinยด Daddies Lyrics


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Who's that whisperin' in the trees?
It's two sailors and they're on leave
Pipes and chains and swingin' hands
Who's your daddy? Yes I am

Fat cat came to play
Now you can't run fast enough
You'd best stay away
When the pushers come to shove

Zoot suit riot
(Riot)

Throw back a bottle of beer
Zoot suit riot
(Riot)

Pull a comb through your coal black hair

Zoot suit riot
(Riot)

Throw back a bottle of beer
Zoot suit riot
(Riot)

Pull a comb through your coal black hair
Blow daddy!

A whipped up jitterbuggin' brown eyed man
A stray cat frontin' up an eight-piece band
Cut me Sammy and you'll understand
In my veins hot music ran

You got me in a sway
And I want to swing you down
Now you sailors know
Where your women come for love

Zoot suit riot
(Riot)

Throw back a bottle of beer
Zoot suit riot
(Riot)

Pull a comb through your coal black hair

You're in a Zoot suit riot
You're in a Zoot suit riot
You're in a Zoot suit riot

Oh you got me in a sway
And I want to swing you down
Now you sailors know
Where your women come for love

Zoot suit riot
(Riot)

Throw back a bottle of beer
Zoot suit riot
(Riot)

Pull a comb through your coal black hair

Zoot suit riot
(Riot)

Throw back a bottle of beer
Zoot suit riot
(Riot)

Pull a comb through your coal black hair

You're in a Zoot suit riot




You're in a Zoot suit riot
You're in a Zoot suit riot

Overall Meaning

The Cherry Poppin' Daddies' song "Zoot Suit Riot" describes a lively scene where two sailors on leave meet a group of flashy, sharply dressed men known as "zoot suiters." The lyrics mention pipes and chains, suggesting that these men may be involved in underground activities, and asks the question "Who's your daddy?" which may be a reference to the leader of the group. The chorus encourages everyone to join in the "Zoot Suit Riot", a wild and raucous party that involves drinking, dancing, and combing one's hair. The second verse introduces the singer, a "brown eyed man" who leads an eight-piece band and has hot music running through his veins. The chorus repeats, with the singer urging the sailors to join in the fun and suggesting that the women they desire are likely to be found at the Zoot Suit Riot.


The song references the zoot suit, a fashion trend popular among African American and Mexican American youth in the 1940s. The zoot suit featured a high-waisted, wide-legged, and heavily padded jacket with baggy, pleated pants and a long chain. The style was initially embraced as a symbol of rebellion against mainstream fashion and societal norms, but later became associated with gang violence and was eventually banned in some cities. The song's lyrics and energetic swing music capture the spirit of the zoot suit era and celebrate the freedom and excitement of youth culture.


Line by Line Meaning

Who's that whisperin' in the trees?
Who is making noise in the trees?


It's two sailors and they're on leave
Two sailors are on vacation and making noise.


Pipes and chains and swingin' hands
The sailors have pipes, chains, and they are swinging their hands.


Who's your daddy? Yes I am
The artist is telling someone that he is their father.


Fat cat came to play
A wealthy and important person has arrived to take part in the activity.


Now you can't run fast enough
The situation has changed in a way that will make it difficult to escape.


You'd best stay away
It would be wise to avoid the situation completely.


When the pushers come to shove
When things become aggressive, there will be consequences.


Zoot suit riot
There is a chaotic situation involving people wearing Zoot suits.


(Riot)
This situation is out of control.


Throw back a bottle of beer
Drink a bottle of beer at this party.


Pull a comb through your coal black hair
Fix your hair and look good for the party.


Blow daddy!
This is a call to enjoy the music and partying.


A whipped up jitterbuggin' brown eyed man
A man with a lot of energy is dancing.


A stray cat frontin' up an eight-piece band
A lone musician is leading an eight-member band.


Cut me Sammy and you'll understand
Listen to Sammy's music and you will know what I mean.


In my veins hot music ran
I felt enthusiastic about the music.


You got me in a sway
I am dancing to the music.


And I want to swing you down
I want to dance with you.


Now you sailors know
The sailors are being informed.


Where your women come for love
Where the sailors' wives are spending their time.


You're in a Zoot suit riot
The person is involved in the chaotic situation with Zoot suits.


Oh you got me in a sway
I am dancing again because of the music.


You're in a Zoot suit riot
The person is still involved in the chaotic situation with Zoot suits.




Lyrics ยฉ Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: STEVE PERRY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@JordonPatrickMears11211988

Cheers to all you OG's jamming this in 23

@kimmorris9664

โ€˜24

@chrisstandeford2699

fr im from around where they started out first heard them at 12 still reminds me of being young

@chadtodd9490

And now into 2024! Swing!

@brianknapp6215

I used to change my daughter when she was a baby while singing this... She's 25 now and still LOVES this song!

@jessevallejo8797

Thank goodness! i thought you were going to say you were still changing her. ๐Ÿ˜ฎ

@BrutusMayhem567

I wish i would have known about swing music when i was much younger. I played trumpet in grade school and junior high. I was very good at it but got so bored if it. If i was exposed to this, id kept playing and tried to be in a band like this. When this came out i was already mid to late 20's. I was kicking myself in the ass for not staying with it. I loved this when it came out. Big bad voodoo daddy, squil nut zippers, lee presson and the nails. So much fun ! Still love it in 2023

@margaretfitzgerald7187

Play it now.

@thexalon

That period in the late 90's with swing and ska both coming back in a big way was really special for horn players, no question. But the other reply is right: Nothing at all stopping you from picking up your axe and playing it, and there is still swing and jazz going on in all sorts of corners of the world because the music is just that good.

@ACatherine66

He had the "Scat" down perfect. I always come back to this tune when I'm in a certain mood!

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