Chicago
Eric Rogers and His Orchestra Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Goin' to Chicago, sorry but I can't take you,
Goin' to Chicago, sorry but I can't take you,
There's nothin' in Chicago that a mucky woman can do!

When you see me comin', raise your window high,
When you see me comin', raise your window high,
When you see me passin' baby, hang your head and cry!
Hurry down sunshine, see what tomorrow brings,
Hurry down sunshine, see what tomorrow brings,
The sun went down, tomorrow brought us rain!

You're so mean and evil, you do things you ought not do,




You're so mean and evil, you do things you ought not do,
You've got my brand of honey, just don't have to put up with you!

Overall Meaning

The song "Chicago" by Eric Rogers and His Orchestra is a tribute to the city of Chicago. The first stanza of the song talks about how the singer was surprised to see a man dancing with his wife, and you'll never guess where. The chorus proclaims the beauty of the city and how it will make you forget your blues. The second stanza talks about the great street of Chicago, State Street, and how it is different from Broadway. The third stanza talks about different places in Chicago, including Marshall Field, the lake, and the loop. The final stanza talks about how the city is not all sin and how the singer feels sympathy for the town.


The song is a love letter to the city of Chicago, and its lyrics reflect the vibrant energy that resonates throughout the city. It encapsulates the essence of Chicago, from its lively culture and entertainment to its diverse history and landmarks. The song was written in 1922 and has become a classic jazz standard.


Line by Line Meaning

I got the surprise, the surprise of my life
I was completely taken aback and surprised by what I saw


I had to stop and stare
I was so astonished that I had to pause and simply gaze at what was happening


I saw a man dancing with his own wife
I witnessed a husband and wife dancing together


And you'll never guess where
It was somewhere so unexpected that you wouldn't be able to guess


Chicago, Chicago--that toddlin' town, that toddlin' town
Chicago, known for its vibrant nightlife and culture, is a lively and bustling city


Chicago, Chicago--I'll show you around; I love it
I am so enamored with the city of Chicago that I'd be happy to give you a tour


Betcha bottom dollar you'll lose your blues
I'm confident that you'll forget your worries and feel a lot happier in Chicago


In Chicago, Chicago--the town that Billy Sunday could not shut down
Chicago is a city with an unquenchable spirit that even religious figures like Billy Sunday couldn't tame


On State Street, that great street
State Street, a bustling street in Chicago, is full of life and energy


I just want to stay, I just want to stay
I never want to leave State Street and its lively atmosphere


They do things they don't do on Broadway, say
State Street is more vibrant and exciting than Broadway in New York City


They have the time, the time of their life
People in Chicago are enjoying themselves to the fullest and having a great time


I saw a man who danced with his wife
I witnessed a couple dancing together and enjoying themselves


In Chicago, Chicago, Chicago, Chicago
Chicago is such a fun and lively city that it deserves to be mentioned multiple times


Free and easy town, brassy, breezy town
Chicago is a city with a relaxed and carefree vibe, full of bold and confident people


Let me cool my heels right down at Marshall Field
I want to take a break and relax at Marshall Field, a popular department store in Chicago


Come and walk with me along the lake to the drake
Let's take a stroll along Lake Michigan and go to the Drake Hotel in Chicago


Holler and hoot all through the loop
Let's make some noise and have fun in the Loop, a busy area in downtown Chicago


Shout out now to Mrs. O'Leary's cow
Let's remember the infamous Great Chicago Fire and the legend of Mrs. O'Leary's cow


No she-she, life is peachy
Life in Chicago is down-to-earth and enjoyable


Chicago--we'll meet at the Pump Room Ambassador East
When we're in Chicago, let's plan to meet at the Pump Room in the Ambassador East Hotel


To say the least
To put it mildly, our meeting at the Pump Room will be fantastic


On shishkabob and breast of squab we will feed and get free
We'll enjoy a delicious meal of shishkabob and squab at the Pump Room, and have a great time


Don't tell me sin is ramped and right
Despite any rumors or negative talk about Chicago, I refuse to believe it's a sinful and evil city


Think of that man who danced with his wife
Remember the joy and happiness that the dancing couple brought to Chicago


In Chicago, Chicago
Chicago really stands out as a unique and special city


I feel sympathy for that wonderful, windy town
I have nothing but admiration and fondness for the city of Chicago, despite its intense winds




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: COUNT BASIE, JAMES RUSHING, JAMES ANDREW RUSHING

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions