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."
Too Fat Polka
Frankie Yankovic Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Guess the champ got too lazy
Ain't gonna fly now, he's just takin' up space
Sold his gloves, threw his eggs down the drain
But he's no bum, he works down the street
He bought the neighborhood deli
Back on his feet, now he's choppin' up meat
Try the rye or the kaiser
They're on special tonight
If you want, you can have an appetizer
You might like our silami and the liver's alright
And they really go well with the rye or the kaiser
Never eats while on the job
He heard it's good to stay hungry
But he makes a pretty mean shishkabob
Have a taste, they were made fresh today
Try the rye or the kaiser
Or the wheat or the white
Maybe I can suggest an appetizer
Stay away from the tuna, it smells funny tonight
But you just can't go wrong with the rye or the kaiser
So today, his deli comes first
Steady dreams of his past days of glory
Goes to the back and beats on the liverwurst
All the while you can still hear him say
It's the rye or the kaiser
It's the thrill of one bite
Let me please be your catering advisor
If you want substitutions
I won't put up a fight
You can have your roast beef on the rye or the kaiser
The rye or the kaiser
The rye or the kaiser
The song "Too Fat Polka" by Frankie Yankovic is about a fallen champion who got too lazy and let himself go. The lyrics describe how he sold his gloves and throws his eggs down the drain, indicating that he is no longer concerned with maintaining his fitness or boxing career. However, despite his apparent laziness, he works down the street and bought a deli in the neighborhood. He is now back on his feet and chopping up meat while offering suggestions and recommendations for his customers on what to try from his deli.
The chorus of the song repeatedly mentions the rye or the kaiser, which highlights the champion's passion for good food as he tries to attract people to his deli. The lyrics also mention his refrain from eating while on the job due to the belief that it is good to stay hungry. Nevertheless, he makes a pretty mean shishkabob, which is a Middle Eastern meat skewer dish that he offers his customers to try.
The song ends by emphasizing that the deli is now the champion’s first priority, and he dreams of his past days of glory while beating on the liverwurst. Throughout the song, the lyrics give an insight into the champion's lifestyle change and his pursuit of creating an amazing deli experience for his customers.
Line by Line Meaning
Fat and weak, what a disgrace
The champion has let himself go and is now out of shape and unproductive.
Guess the champ got too lazy
People assume that the champion became lazy and lost his edge.
Ain't gonna fly now, he's just takin' up space
The champion is no longer competent and useful; he is holding up space.
Sold his gloves, threw his eggs down the drain
The champion gave up his career and left the past behind.
But he's no bum, he works down the street
Despite giving up his former career, the champion is still working hard in a different field.
He bought the neighborhood deli
The champion invested in a deli in his community.
Back on his feet, now he's choppin' up meat
After some time, the champion got back on track and is now working as a butcher.
Come inside, maybe you'll hear him say
The champion invites people to come inside and hear his recommendations.
Try the rye or the kaiser
It's recommended that the customers try either the rye or the kaiser bread.
They're on special tonight
There's a special price on the rye and the kaiser tonight.
If you want, you can have an appetizer
Customers have the option of starting with an appetizer before their meal.
You might like our salami and the liver's alright
The deli recommends trying their salami, and the liver is also a good option.
And they really go well with the rye or the kaiser
Salami and liver are recommended as toppings to enjoy with the bread.
Never eats while on the job
The butcher doesn't eat while he's working.
He heard it's good to stay hungry
The butcher heard that staying hungry is a good thing for productivity.
But he makes a pretty mean shishkabob
Despite not eating on the job, the butcher is still able to make an excellent shishkabob.
Have a taste, they were made fresh today
Customers are invited to try the shishkabob, which was made fresh that day.
Or the wheat or the white
In addition to the rye and kaiser, customers can also choose from wheat or white bread.
Maybe I can suggest an appetizer
The deli owner is offering suggestions for an appetizer course.
Stay away from the tuna, it smells funny tonight
The deli recommends avoiding the tuna as it may not be fresh today.
But you just can't go wrong with the rye or the kaiser
Regardless of your choice of toppings or bread, you can't go wrong with the rye or kaiser.
So today, his deli comes first
The deli is now the priority for the former champion.
Steady dreams of his past days of glory
The former champion still thinks about the days when he was successful.
Goes to the back and beats on the liverwurst
The deli owner heads to the back and prepares fresh liverwurst.
All the while you can still hear him say
Even as he works, the deli owner is still making recommendations to his customers.
It's the rye or the kaiser
Once again, the former champion recommends the rye or kaiser breads.
It's the thrill of one bite
The joy of enjoying one delicious bite is what the deli owner is trying to offer.
Let me please be your catering advisor
The deli owner would like to help his customers in catering with his suggestions.
If you want substitutions I won't put up a fight
The deli owner is flexible and can accommodate substitutions per customer request.
You can have your roast beef on the rye or the kaiser
Customers can have their roast beef with either of the recommended breads.
The rye or the kaiser
Once again, the deli owner urges his customers to try the rye or kaiser breads.
Contributed by Emma P. 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