Louis Armstrong (1901 - 1971) was a trumpet player, singer, and bandleader, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists in the history of jazz.
Would You Like to Take a Walk?
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Am I nosy? Very, very
I'd like to be a juicy huckleberry
What you're after is a gal
We're both in luck, for introductions
Are not necessary
Mmm, would you like to take walk?
Mmm, how about a sarsaparilla?
Gee, the moon is yeller
Sump'n good'll come from that
Mmm, have you heard the latest song?
Mmm, it's a very pretty strain
Mmm, don't you feel a little thrilly?
Gee, it's getting chilly
Sump'n good'll come from that
When you're strolling though the wheresies
You need a whosies to lean upon
But when you have no whosies
To hug and whatsies, gosh, darn
Mmm, would you like to take walk?
Mmm, do you think it's gonna rain?
Mmm, ain't you tired of the talkies?
I prefer the walkies
Sump'n good'll come from that
My little heart is full of palpitation
What I need is consolation
I'd like to stage a little celebration
In the moonlight, right away
I'll feel all pepped if you'll accept
My friendly invitation
Mmm, would you like to take walk?
Mmm, do you think it's gonna rain?
Mmm, how about a sarsaparilla?
Gee, the moon is yeller
Sump'n good'll come from that
Mmm, have you heard the latest song?
Mmm, it's a very pretty strain
Mmm, don't you feel a little thrilly?
Gee, it's getting chilly
Sump'n good'll come from that
When you're strolling though the wheresies
You need a whosies to lean upon
But when you have no whosies
To hug and whatsies, gosh, darn
Mmm, would you like to take walk?
Mmm, do you think it's gonna rain?
Mmm, ain't you tired of the talkies?
I prefer the walkies
Sump'n good'll come from that
The lyrics of "Would You Like to Take a Walk?" are a playful exchange between two characters who are out on a walk, and one of them is attempting to woo the other. The song starts with the first character watching the other stroll alone and expressing a curious interest in them. They describe themselves as a "juicy huckleberry" and suggest that what the other is after is a romantic partner. The two characters quickly strike up a conversation, with introductions deemed unnecessary. As they walk and chat, they ask each other questions like whether or not it will rain, what their favorite song is, and if they feel a little "thrilly."
The lyrics of the song have an easy-going and flirtatious tone, with the characters teasing each other playfully. The lyrics express the simple pleasures of a walk with a potential romantic partner, where even the weather and the color of the moon can become conversation topics. The song's underlying message is that sometimes it's the simple things in life that lead to great connections and memorable experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
I saw you strolling by your solitary
I happened to see you walking alone
Am I nosy? Very, very
May I be intrusive? Absolutely
I'd like to be a juicy huckleberry
I want to be the one you desire
What you're after is a gal
You're searching for a woman
We're both in luck, for introductions Are not necessary
Fortunately, we don't need a formal introduction to speak with each other
Mmm, would you like to take walk?
Do you want to take a walk with me?
Mmm, do you think it's gonna rain?
Do you anticipate rain?
Mmm, how about a sarsaparilla?
Would you like to share a drink of sarsaparilla?
Gee, the moon is yeller Sump'n good'll come from that
Wow, the moon is yellow. This must be a sign of good things to come.
Mmm, have you heard the latest song?
Have you listened to the most recent melody?
Mmm, it's a very pretty strain
It's a beautiful tune
Mmm, don't you feel a little thrilly?
Don't you feel a bit excited?
Gee, it's getting chilly Sump'n good'll come from that
It's getting cold outside. This must mean something good will happen soon.
When you're strolling though the wheresies You need a whosies to lean upon
When you're lost, you need someone to rely on.
But when you have no whosies To hug and whatsies, gosh, darn
But when you don't have someone to hold or talk to, it's really disappointing.
Mmm, ain't you tired of the talkies?
Aren't you tired of movies?
I prefer the walkies Sump'n good'll come from that
I like walking better. Something good will come from it.
My little heart is full of palpitation
My heart races with excitement
What I need is consolation
I require solace
I'd like to stage a little celebration
I want to host a small event
In the moonlight, right away
Immediately, under the moonlight
I'll feel all pepped if you'll accept My friendly invitation
I'll be so happy if you agree to come with me
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MORT DIXON, BILLY ROSE, HARRY WARREN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@goback3spaces
When I first heard this song, as a little kid about 50 years ago, I thought Louis's line "It's a very pretty strain" was "It's a very pretty shame." Only in the last few years did I realize what he sang!
@arlene1934corwin
An adorable tune. I think I'll learn it.
@YellowMan331
Might sample that.
@delboymartin7465
Mmm, how about a sasparilla.
@MusicAndTheScience
I just found out today that these are the original lyrics to the song sung by Porky and Petunia Pig in the cartoon Naughty Neighbors.
@bettygraham818
Try an original from Annette Hanshaw
@wj98983
This is sung by a fat spider chasing a fly in a 40s cartoon.