Martin Louis Paich (born January 23, 1925 in Oakland, California, died Augu… Read Full Bio ↴Martin Louis Paich (born January 23, 1925 in Oakland, California, died August 12, 1995 in Santa Ynez, California) was a pianist, composer, arranger, producer, music director and conductor.

In a career which spanned half a century, he worked in these capacities for such artists as Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Sarah Vaughan, Stan Kenton, Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Tormé, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Linda Ronstadt, Stan Getz, Sammy Davis Jr, Michael Jackson, Art Pepper, and a hundred others.

However, his name is essentially unknown outside professional circles. He took little interest in self-promotion, never acquired a personal agent, happily saw his business affairs managed by his capable first wife, Huddy, and as soon as finances permitted decamped Los Angeles for a ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley north of Santa Barbara. There, he engaged his twin fantasies of riding horses and operating a private museum devoted to the saddles, books, rifles and guns of the American west. For a boy raised in urban Oakland California, this was a charmed leap.
(Wikipedia)

Makin' Whoopee
Marty Paich Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Another bride, another June
Another sunny honeymoon
Another season, another reason
For makin' whoopee

A lot of shoes, a lot of rice
The groom is nervous, he answers twice
Its really killin' that he's so willin'

To make whoopee

Picture a little love nest
Down where the roses cling
Picture the same sweet love nest
Think what a year can bring

He's washin dishes and baby clothes
He's so ambitious he even sews
But don't forget folks,
Thats what you get folks, for makin' whoopee

He doesn't make much money
Five thousand dollars per;
Some judge who thinks he's funny
Says, "You pay six to her."

He says, "Now judge, suppose I fail?"
The judge says, "Budge, right into jail.
You'd better keep her

I think it's cheaper
Than making whoopee."

Overall Meaning

The song "Makin' Whoopee," composed by Walter Donaldson and lyrics by Gus Kahn, was originally released in 1928 as a popular song on Broadway for the musical Whoopee!. The song has become a jazz standard and has been covered by various artists throughout the years. The song's title is a euphemism for engaging in sexual intercourse or sexual activity in general, but in the song, it is used to describe the institution of marriage and the responsibilities that come with it.

The first stanza of the song sets the stage for the rest of the lyrics to follow. The singer describes the repetitiveness of weddings and honeymoons, indicating that it is just another event in a long list of similar events. The second stanza delves more into the specifics, describing the groom's nervousness and willingness to marry. The third stanza paints a picture of domestic life, with the singer describing the responsibilities and ambitions of a newlywed couple. The fourth stanza is where the song takes an interesting turn. Suddenly, we see the consequences of getting married and "makin' whoopee." The singer describes the groom's financial situation and the unfairness of having to pay his wife more than he is making. The judge's response is harsh and direct, indicating that the groom can either stay married or face jail time.

Line by Line Meaning

Another bride, another June
Just like any other wedding in June

Another sunny honeymoon
A honeymoon on a fine day

Another season, another reason
There are many seasons and many new reasons

For makin' whoopee
To get intimate with each other

A lot of shoes, a lot of rice
Wedding preparations that cost a lot

The groom is nervous, he answers twice
Nervous groom repeats his promises

Its really killin' that he's so willin'
The groom is willing to do anything to please the bride

To make whoopee
To have an intimate relationship

Picture a little love nest
Imagine a cozy home filled with love

Down where the roses cling
A place where roses grow

Think what a year can bring
Imagine the changes that a year can bring