Of Slovenian descent, he was from Cleveland, Ohio. Yankovic released over 200 recordings in his career. In 1986 he was awarded the first ever Grammy in the Best Polka Recording category.
Yankovic seldom strayed from the Slovenian-style polka, but did record with country singer Chet Atkins, pop singer Don Everly, and a version of the “Too Fat Polka” with comedian Drew Carey, also from Cleveland.
Yankovic enlisted in the Armed Forces in 1943, and cut some records while on leave, prior to his departure for Europe. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, where a severe case of frostbite nearly resulted in the amputation of his hands and feet; fortunately, he was able to beat the gangrene before that became necessary, and was awarded a Purple Heart. He became an accomplished accordion player.
Yankovic was not related to "Weird Al" Yankovic, but Al did play accordion for "Who Stole the Kishka" on one of Frankie's final records, Songs of the Polka King, Vol. 1.
Yankovic died in New Port Richey, Florida due to heart failure.
Trivia
"Pennsylvania Polka," performed by Frankie Yankovic, was played (numerous times) in the film "Groundhog Day."
In Heaven There Is No Beer
Frankie Yankovic Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That's why we drink it here
And when we're gone from here
All our friends will be drinking all that beer
La, la, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la, la
In Heaven there is no beer
That's why we drink it here
And when we're gone from here
All our friends will be drinking all that beer
La, la, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
The song "In Heaven There Is No Beer" by Frankie Yankovic is a humorous take on the idea that in heaven, there is no need for earthly pleasures such as drinking beer. The lyrics suggest that since beer is not available in heaven, people on earth should enjoy it while they can. The repetition of the phrase "That's why we drink it here" emphasizes the idea that life is for living and enjoying.
The final lines of the song suggest that when people pass away, they will leave behind their earthly pleasures, including beer, for their friends to enjoy. This may be interpreted as a reminder to live life to the fullest, but also to appreciate the time spent with loved ones and the memories they leave behind.
Overall, the song can be interpreted in a lighthearted way, highlighting the importance of enjoying life and spending time with friends and family. It may also be seen as a nod to the cultural significance of beer in certain communities, especially in the polka music scene that Frankie Yankovic was a part of.
Line by Line Meaning
In Heaven there is no beer
Alcohol is prohibited in Heaven, and will not be available to drink.
That's why we drink it here
We drink beer here on Earth because we cannot in Heaven.
And when we're gone from here
When we die and leave this world behind...
All our friends will be drinking all that beer
...our friends who remain alive on Earth will be consuming all the beer that we can no longer drink.
La, la, la, la, la, la
This is a refrain or chorus in the song that does not convey a specific message.
La, la, la, la, la, la
This is a refrain or chorus in the song that does not convey a specific message.
La, la, la, la, la, la
This is a refrain or chorus in the song that does not convey a specific message.
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
This is a refrain or chorus in the song that does not convey a specific message.
Contributed by Tristan K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mark Carling
on Ten Swedes
Ten Swedes, by Mack H. Kay, performed by Frank Yankovic
Verse 1:
Ten Swedes met in Brooklyn
A more congenial lot never gathered in one spot.
And while they met in Brooklyn,
They filled the place with glee,
But here’s what’s bothered me -
CHORUS:
They had one drink. They hollered, “Skoal!”
And then the ten Swedes shook hands all around.
Another drink. Another, “Skoal!”
And then the ten Swedes shook hands up and down.
They had four more, while I kept score.
And after each one then, they’d all shake hands again.
It bothers me. Can’t get it right.
How many handshakes did the ten swedes make that night?
Verse 2:
Was it 90? Or 300? Who can figure up the toll?
Those ten Swedes have got me looney
With their handshakes and their skoal!
Let nobody leave this gathering
While the answer’s still in doubt.
Have another drink and then
Lets sing this song again.
Maybe you can figure out.
Repeat Chorus