Smack Dab In The Middle
Mills Brother Lyrics
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Where people like a rockin time
And stay awake both day and night
Till everybody's feelin good an' right
Then throw me (smack dab in the middle)
I wanna be (smack dab in the middle)
Ahhhhh, smack dab in the middle, boys now
Ten Cadillacs, a diamond mill
Ten suits of clothes to dress to kill
A ten room house, some Bar B Q
And fifty chicks not over twenty-two
Then throw me (smack dab in the middle)
Oh, I wanna be (smack dab in the middle)
Ahhhhh, now boys you can see why
I wanna be smack dab in the middle now
So I can rock and roll to satisfy my soul
One hundred beds with chorus girls
A street that's paved with natural pearls
A wagon load of bonds and stocks
Then open up the door at Fort Knox
Then throw me (smack dab in the middle)
I wanna be (smack dab in the middle)
Ahhhhh, now listen boys throw me
Smack dab in the middle right now
So Ray can rock and roll to satisfy his soul
That's all right!
A lot of bread and gangs of meat
Oodles of butter and somethin sweet
Gallons of coffee to wash it down
Bicarbonated soda by the pound
Then throw me (smack dab in the middle)
I picture it (smack dab in the middle)
Ah, throw me now, smack dab in the middle right now
So I can rock and roll to satisfy my soul
Alright!
The opening lyrics of Mills Brothers' "Smack Dab in the Middle" sets the stage for the type of town that the singer wants to be dropped in the middle of – one where people are lively and active both during the day and night. This is a town that is full of energy, and where everyone is having a good time. The singer then goes on to list the material gains he would like to receive – ten Cadillacs, a diamond mill, a ten-room house with a Bar B Q, and fifty women under the age of 22. He further expresses his desire for one hundred beds with chorus girls, natural pearls for a paved street, bonds and stocks, and access to Fort Knox itself. The singer thus desires material wealth that he feels will enhance his satisfaction in life.
The song's lyrics reflect the sentiment of the post-World War II era where the economy was booming, and people were looking for increased prosperity. The mention of 'ten suits of clothes to dress to kill' also reflects the importance of fashion and style during this period. The song is known for its use of repetition, which reflects the chorus of the song. The repetition is indicative of the singer's desire and determination to be in the middle of such a town, with all the wealth and luxury they can offer. The upbeat tempo of the song has made it a popular choice for dance parties and other lively events, and the lyrics reflect the desire for an idyllic life.
Line by Line Meaning
Pick me a town in any clime
Choose a place, anywhere in the world
Where people like a rockin time
Where locals enjoy lively and energetic activities
And stay awake both day and night
Where the people don't sleep much and instead spend their time having fun
Till everybody's feelin good an' right
Until everyone is happy and content
Then throw me (smack dab in the middle)
Place me directly in the middle of everything
I wanna be (smack dab in the middle)
I desire to be right in the center of things
Ahhhhh, smack dab in the middle, boys now
I want it to be clear that I want to be right in the center of everything
So I can rock and roll to satisfy my soul
I want to dance and enjoy myself fully
Ten Cadillacs, a diamond mill
A collection of luxury vehicles and a precious jewelry factory
Ten suits of clothes to dress to kill
Ten amazing outfits to dress sharply in
A ten room house, some Bar B Q
A large house and some delicious barbecue
And fifty chicks not over twenty-two
And fifty young and attractive women
One hundred beds with chorus girls
One hundred beds with women who sing in unison
A street that's paved with natural pearls
A road literally covered in pearls
A wagon load of bonds and stocks
A large quantity of valuable securities
Then open up the door at Fort Knox
Then gain access to the famously secure Fort Knox, which stores much of the United States' gold reserves
That's all right!
Expressing satisfaction or agreement
A lot of bread and gangs of meat
A large amount of food
Oodles of butter and somethin sweet
A lot of butter and something sugary
Gallons of coffee to wash it down
A lot of coffee to drink with the food
Bicarbonated soda by the pound
A lot of soda to drink
I picture it (smack dab in the middle)
I imagine myself right in the center of everything
Ah, throw me now, smack dab in the middle right now
I want to be placed right in the center of everything as soon as possible
So I can rock and roll to satisfy my soul
So I can dance and enjoy myself fully
Alright!
Expressing enthusiasm or agreement
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHARLES E CALHOUN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sorrystaunton
As far as I’m concerned these guys started rock and roll...great sound!!!
@adamholtz733
Fantastic song from 1955 !!!
@bryanrendleman2001
Mills are the Masters of COOL !
@fromthesidelines
Recorded on April 5, 1955.