Straight Up And DOwn
Gerald Wilson And His Orchestra Lyrics
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Straight down the middle
It went straight down the middle
Then it started to hook just a wee, wee bit
That's when my caddie lost sight of it
That little white pellet has never been found to this day
But it went straight down the middle like they say
Whack down the fairway
It went smack down the fairway
Then it started to slice just a smidge off line
It headed for two then it bounced off nine
My caddie says long as you're still in the state you're okay
Yes it went straight down the middle quite a ways
The sun was never brighter
The greens were never greener
And I was never keener to play
I heard it came down the middle
It went zing down the middle
Oh the life of a golfer is not all gloom
There's always the lies in the locker room
And I'm in my glory when wrapped in a towel I say
That it went straight down the middle today
Oh the life of a golfer is not all gloom
Though they should charge just for listening in the locker room
But I'm in my glory when wrapped in a towel I say
That it went straight down the middle
Where it wound up is a riddle
But it went straight down the middle far away
The song Straight Up And Down by Gerald Wilson And His Orchestra is a humorous and upbeat tune that tells the story of a golfer's successful round of golf, where all his hits end up straight down the middle of the fairway. The song is lighthearted and playful in its depiction of the golfer, who brags about his golfing successes, and the accompanying band adds to the fun with their energetic rhythms and jazzy melodies.
The opening lines of the song establish the main theme, with the golfer hitting the ball straight down the middle of the fairway. The second verse describes another successful hit that veers slightly off course but still ends up in the right place. The chorus then repeats the idea that the golfer's hits are always straight, and the final verse emphasizes the joy and camaraderie of golfing, with the lies told in the locker room and the satisfaction of a good day on the course.
The song plays on the humor and irony of the situation, with the golfer's boasts and the band's lively music creating a sense of fun and entertainment. The lyrics are simple and easy to follow, but the melody and rhythm are catchy and engaging, making for a memorable and enjoyable tune.
Line by Line Meaning
Straight down the middle
The golf ball traveled straight down the center of the course.
It went straight down the middle
The ball continued on the same trajectory and did not veer off course.
Then it started to hook just a wee, wee bit
The ball began to curve slightly to the left.
That's when my caddie lost sight of it
The caddie was unable to see where the ball went after it began to curve.
That little white pellet has never been found to this day
The ball was never recovered, and its whereabouts still remain a mystery.
But it went straight down the middle like they say
Despite the slight curve, the ball's initial trajectory was straight down the center of the course.
Whack down the fairway
The golfer hit the ball with force down the middle of the fairway.
It went smack down the fairway
The ball traveled a straight path down the fairway.
Then it started to slice just a smidge off line
The ball began to curve to the right, slightly off course.
It headed for two then it bounced off nine
The ball hit off of one obstacle and ended up ricocheting off of another.
My caddie says long as you're still in the state you're okay
The caddie assures the golfer that being within the bounds of the state ensures they are still eligible to play.
Yes it went straight down the middle quite a ways
Despite the slight curve, the ball traveled a significant distance in a straight line down the center of the fairway.
The sun was never brighter
The weather was ideal and sunny while the golfer played.
The greens were never greener
The putting greens were exceptionally lush and well-kept.
And I was never keener to play
The golfer was highly motivated and enthusiastic about the match.
I heard it came down the middle
The golfer heard from others that the ball landed in the center of the fairway.
It went zing down the middle
The ball traveled quickly and fluidly without any veering or deviation from its path.
There's always the lies in the locker room
Golfers often exaggerate about their performance in the locker room.
Where it wound up is a riddle
The ball's final location is unknown and a mystery.
But it went straight down the middle far away
The ball traveled a great distance in a straight line down the center of the fairway, despite any slight deviations from its path.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SAMMY CAHN, JIMMY VAN HEUSEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind