Cocktails for Two
Spike Jones His City Slickers Lyrics
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That overlooks the avenue
With someone sharing a delightful chat
Of this and that
And cocktails for two
As we enjoy a cigarette
To some exquisite chansonette
With cocktails for two
My head may go reeling
But my heart will be o-be-di-ent
With in-tox-i-cat-ing kiss,
For the principal in-gre-di-ent
Most any afternoon at five
We'll be so glad we're both alive
Then maybe fortune will complete her plan
That all began
With cocktails for two
The lyrics to the song "Cocktails for Two" by Spike Jones & His City Slickers describe a romantic date at a secluded spot that overlooks the avenue. The two people are enjoying each other's company over cocktails and a delightful chat. The song hints at the possibility of the two people falling in love, as they share a cigarette and perhaps a stolen kiss under the guise of hiding their hands beneath a serviette. The lyrics suggest that the cocktails, the venue, and the conversation are all ingredients that can lead to happiness and good fortune.
The lyrics are rich in imagery, painting a picture of a romantic and mysterious setting. The mention of cigarette smoke and chansonette (a type of French song) adds to the sophistication and elegance of the date. The use of the word "obedient" to describe the singer's heart after an intoxicating kiss adds a touch of humor to the song, suggesting that falling in love and indulging in cocktails can have unpredictable effects.
Line by Line Meaning
In some secluded rendezvous
At a private meeting place, away from crowds and noise
That overlooks the avenue
A location that affords a view of the street below
With someone sharing a delightful chat
Engaging in an enjoyable conversation with a companion
Of this and that
Discussing various topics or subjects
And cocktails for two
Drinking alcoholic beverages specifically made for two
As we enjoy a cigarette
Smoking a cigarette together
To some exquisite chansonette
Listening to a beautiful French song
Two hands are sure to slyly meet beneath a serviette
Hands will secretly touch under a napkin
With cocktails for two
Drinking alcoholic beverages specifically made for two
My head may go reeling
Feeling dizzy from the alcohol
But my heart will be o-be-di-ent
Falling in love obediently
With in-tox-i-cat-ing kiss,
A kiss that makes one feel intoxicated
For the principal in-gre-di-ent
Alcohol being the main ingredient in the kiss
Most any afternoon at five
Usually in the late afternoon around five o'clock
We'll be so glad we're both alive
Expressing joy in each other's company and being alive
Then maybe fortune will complete her plan
Hoping for good luck or fate to complete a plan
That all began
Referring to the meeting and drinking of cocktails for two
With cocktails for two
Drinking alcoholic beverages specifically made for two
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: ARTHUR JOHNSTON, SAM COSLOW
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
17primemover
Pure genius. When my mom and dad started dating, she was appalled to learn he loved Spike Jones. He made her go to a concert with him...he sat doubled over with laughter as she sat embarrassed. I side with dear old dad, of course.
Redcalx
At least you happened x
stevefriedmanphoto
TYPO: “you’re”. Add Letterman & Victor Borge to my list. Not pick in’, or being especially judgmental, but whom did your mother like in comedy? Just curious
OlofTheBald
Your dear old dad was an absolute legend <3
Nonna Yobiznus
My mom introduced me to Spike Jones after I played Weird Al Yankovic for her, thinking he was "original". We both enjoyed listening to Dr Demento together.
Virgil Hilts
The surrealist American genius of Spike Jones. Not just entertainment, there's a master at work here folks.
Pete Lewis
It never gets old, despite it being incredibly old
Linda Jones
Thanks, Robin
altareggo
Thanks soooo much!! This must have been one of the VERY first music videos.... and its WAAAAAY better than most of the more recent video vintages. Spike's completely dead-pan and perfectly-timed performance in this comedic masterpiece, is CLASSIC. (or, as the kids would say today, EPIC).
MrUnidyne
This song was written one year after Prohibition ended (Note the opening lyrics). According to recording industry insiders, one of the song's composers, Sam Coslow, hated Jones' irreverent treatment, but even so, the recording's success earned him large royalties.