I Want a Big Butter and Eggman
Gordon Jenkins & His Orchestra/Louis Armstrong Lyrics
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From way out in the West
She wants somebody who's workin' all day
So she's got money when she wants to play
Now pretty clothes they'll never be mine
But what she told me the other day
I hope she don't change her mind
A great big butter and egg man
From way down South
The song "I Want a Big Butter and Eggman" is a piece that reflects the lifestyle and preferences of a woman. The lyrics suggest that she wants to have a partner who works hard, preferably in the West, to earn enough money to indulge in her leisure activities. The phrase "butter and egg man" was used in the early 20th century to describe a wealthy man whose occupation was mainly in the dairy or poultry business.
The lyrics show that the woman may not be interested in material possessions but wants to enjoy the finer things in life with a partner who can provide them. The tone of the song is light-hearted and optimistic, which suits the jazzy feel of the composition. The use of Louis Armstrong's silky-smooth voice and the upbeat tempo of Gordon Jenkins & His Orchestra create a sense of celebration of life and good fortune.
Overall, the song illustrates the aspiration and desires of people during the early 1900s, where a "butter and egg man" symbolized someone who had made it big in business and could afford a comfortable lifestyle. The song adds to the cultural context of the time and provides an insight into what individuals desired in a partner for a happy and fulfilling life.
Line by Line Meaning
Now she wants a butter an egg man
She desires a man who is financially stable and can provide for her.
From way out in the West
She is seeking a man from the western region of the country.
She wants somebody who's workin' all day
She wants a man who is employed and working hard throughout the day.
So she's got money when she wants to play
She wants a man who has enough money to support her leisure activities whenever she desires.
Now pretty clothes they'll never be mine
The artist is admitting that he cannot provide luxurious items like pretty clothes for the woman.
But what she told me the other day
The singer is referring to recent communication with the woman regarding her desires.
I hope she don't change her mind
The singer hopes that the woman's desires do not shift in the future.
A great big butter and egg man
The woman desires a man who is wealthy and can provide her with financial security.
From way down South
The woman is looking for a man from the southern region of the country.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LOUIS ARMSTRONG, PERCY VENABLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind