Como was also very popular in the UK. His chart successes ranged from 1953 to 1974 and included two number one's, his first hit 'Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes' in 1953 and 'Magic Moments' which stayed at the top for 8 weeks in 1958. His other big UK hits were 'Delaware' ( No 3 in 1960), ' It's Impossible' (No 4 in 1971) , 'And I Love You So' (No 3 in 1973), and 'For The Good Times' (No 7 in 1973).
As well as TV and recording success, Perry Como also made a number of films, including ' Something For The Boys' and 'Doll Face' which were released during WW2.
He died in his sleep on 12 May 2001.
Delaware
Perry Como Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What did Del-a-ware boy, what did Delaware
She wore a brand New Jersey,
She wore a brand New Jersey,
She wore a brand New Jersey,
That's what she did wear
One, two, three, four
Why did Cali-fon
Why did Cali-fon-ia
Was she all alone
She called to say Ha-wa-ya
She called to say Ha-wa-ya
She called to say Ha-wa-ya
That's why she did call
Uno, due, tre, quattro
Oh what did Missi sip boy
What did Missi sip
What did Missi sip boy
Through her pretty lips
She sipped a Minne sota
She sipped a Minne sota
She sipped a Minne sota
That's what she did sip
Un deux trois quatre
Where has Oregon, boy
Where has Oregon
If you wan Al-ask-a
Al-ask-a where she's gone
She went to pay her Texas
She went to pay her Texas
She went to pay her Texas
That's where she has gone
Eins zwei drei vier
Oh how did Wis-con-sin boy
She stole a New-brass-key
Too bad that Arkan saw, boy
And so did Tenne-see
It made poor Flori-di, boy
It made poor Flori-di, you see
She died in Miss-our-I, boy
She died in Miss-our-I
Oh what did Del-a-ware boy, what did Delaware
What did Del-a-ware boy, what did Delaware
The song "Delaware" by Perry Como is a playful tune that uses wordplay and puns to create a fun-filled story about different states in the United States. The lyrics of the song are a series of questions and answers that involve different state names as part of wordplay. For instance, the first verse goes, "Oh, what did Delaware boy, what did Delaware, what did Delaware boy, what did Delaware. She wore a brand New Jersey..."
The song continues in a similar vein, with each verse using wordplay and puns to create questions and answers involving state names. For example, another verse goes, "Oh, why did Cali-fon-ia, why did Cali-fon, why did Cali-fon-ia, was she all alone? She called to say Ha-wa-ya, she called to say Ha-wa-ya, she called to say Ha-wa-ya, that's why she did call."
While the song does not have a deep meaning or message, it is a playful and fun tune that showcases Perry Como's unique vocal style and creativity.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh what did Del-a-ware boy, what did Delaware
What was happening in Delaware that we should know about?
She wore a brand New Jersey
She was wearing a new jersey.
That's what she did wear
That's what she had on.
Oh, why did Cali-fon-ia
Why did California do what it did?
Was she all alone
Did California act by itself?
She called to say Ha-wa-ya
California made a call to Hawaii.
That's why she did call
That's why California made the call.
Oh what did Missi sip boy
What was Mississippi doing, boy?
Through her pretty lips
Mississippi was sipping something through her lips.
She sipped a Minne sota
Mississippi drank something from Minnesota.
That's what she did sip
That's what Mississippi drank.
Where has Oregon, boy
Where is Oregon, boy?
Al-ask-a where she's gone
If you want to know where Oregon went, ask Alaska.
She went to pay her Texas
Oregon went to pay Texas.
That's where she has gone
That's where Oregon is now.
Oh how did Wis-con-sin boy
What happened in Wisconsin, boy?
She stole a New-brass-key
Wisconsin stole a new brass key.
Too bad that Arkan saw, boy
Unfortunately, Arkansas saw what Wisconsin did.
And so did Tenne-see
Tennessee also witnessed Wisconsin's theft.
It made poor Flori-di, boy
Florida was negatively affected by Wisconsin's actions, boy.
She died in Miss-our-I, boy
As a result of what happened, Florida died in Missouri, boy.
Oh what did Del-a-ware boy, what did Delaware
Again, what was happening in Delaware that we should know about?
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: IRVING GORDON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Codex_0613
sing along lyrics:
Oh, what did Della wear (Delaware), boy?
What did Della wear?
What did Della wear, boy?
What did Della wear?
She wore her brand New Jersey.
She wore her brand New Jersey.
She wore her brand New Jersey.
That's what she did wear.
Oh, why did Calli phone ya? (California)
Why did Calli phone?
Why did Calli phone ya?
Was she all alone?
She called to say "How wai ya" (Hawaii)
She called to say "How wai ya"
She called to say "How wai ya"
That's why she did call.
Oh, what did Missi sip (Mississippi), boy?
What did Missi sip?
What did Missi sip, boy?
Through her pretty lips.
She sips a mint soda (Minnesota).
She sips a mint soda.
She sips a mint soda.
That's what she did sip.
Oh, where has Ore gone (Oregon), boy?
Where has Ore gone?
If you want I'll'ask her (Alaska).
I'll'ask her where she's gone.
She went to pay her taxes (Texas).
She went to pay her taxes.
She went to pay her taxes.
That's where she has gone.
Oh, how did Wiscon sin (Wisconsin), boy?
She stole a new brass key (Nebraska).
Too bad that Arkan saw (Arkansas), boy.
And so did Tenne see (Tennessee).
It made poor Flori die (Florida), boy.
It made poor Flori die, you see.
She died in misery (Missouri), boy.
She died in misery.
Oh, what did Della wear (Delaware), boy?
What did Della wear?
What did Della wear, boy?
What did Della wear?
Whistle
@juliachildress2943
I remember singing this with my Dad, probably over 60 years ago. We both loved all things Perry Como. Wonderful memories.
@dickkochanski374
I was 15 yrs old the first time Perry the barber/singer sang that song. Today at age 77 yrs I'm still smiling. Thank you YouTube. Bye the way I'm from Wiscon..sin. And have had a lot of New Jerseys
@RFvechi582
Congratulations on 80 years!
@katyhanara
Yes we loved this song, back in Scotland even!
@RichardFein2
This song entered my head today. Reminded me of watching the Perry Como Show in the 1950’s. My Dad, who had a great voice himself, sang along. Beautiful memory. A belated thank you to you, Perry
@margarethatten675
I remember singing this song on 1968. 6 th grade. I’ve looked for it to teach my kids and grands. Just found it tonight. Thank you you-tube. Mr. Coming and Mr. Gordon. And Mr. Pipkin my sixth grade music teacher. Beaumont, Texas
@1985OldSkool
The 15 states that mentioned were Delaware, New Jersey, California, Hawaii, Mississippi, Minnesota, Oregon, Alaska, Texas, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Arkansas, Tennessee, Florida and Missouri. Alaska and Hawaii became states during 1959, when this song was recorded, and it would go to #22 in the late-winter and early-spring of 1960.
@AmnzeroUK
Been playing Fallout 4 recently and got the mod "More Where That Came From" - this is included in said mod, and what a great track it is ! :)
@keonster
+AmnzeroUK Who put the Bomp is pretty good too.
@DeNihility
+AmnzeroUK That sent me here too. It's pretty catchy.