Leave The Dishes In The Sink Ma
Spike Jones His City Slickers Lyrics


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Pa started in 'a running
When he heard the whistle blow.
The Postman brought a letter,
And airmail from our Joe.

It said




Overall Meaning

that he was coming home
On the 8:01,
So Ma put on a big roast beef,
And then Ma had some fun.


She said: "Leave the dishes in the sink, Ma,
I don't want to miss a thing!
Remember, Junior's taking notes,
And Susie's voice is changing,
Leave the dishes in the sink, Ma,
Don't do a single chore!
The kitchen's closed until tomorrow,
So, let's all go explore!"


These lyrics tell the story of a family eagerly awaiting the return of their son, Joe, who is coming home on the 8:01 train. The mother, Ma, decides to prepare a big roast beef dinner in anticipation of his arrival. However, instead of doing the dishes afterwards, she encourages the family to leave them and go spend time together.


The lyrics speak to the importance of family and the joy that comes from spending time together. The mother is prioritizing moments with her family over the mundane task of washing dishes. Additionally, the song hints at the changing dynamics within the family as Junior is taking notes and Susie’s voice is changing.


Overall, "Leave the Dishes in the Sink, Ma" is a lighthearted and fun tune that celebrates family and togetherness.


Line by Line Meaning

Pa started in 'a running
Pa hurriedly moved towards the door when he heard the train whistle blowing.


When he heard the whistle blow.
Pa heard the sound of the train whistle.


The Postman brought a letter,
The mailman delivered a letter to our house.


And airmail from our Joe.
In the delivered letter, there was important news from Joe sent via airmail.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

@jonlong9955

Your record is in excellent shape!! Mine was left in the sink!

@catendresse

I used to sing that to my mum❤

@lizlee6290

I love this one! Just right for the time.
My college boyfriend introduced me to Spike Jones. I've never gotten over it. Hey that's a good thing! I have a cd of Spike's "It's a Spike Jones Christmas" which gets played to death every December.

@AnthonysDen

They KNEW how to make music back then! Who else is listening to this comedic gem in 2022 besides me?

@jonlong9955

Have an old broken copy I was throwing out. Played what part of it I could, and loved it! Now to find an intact 78

@kimberlyisherwood4564

I hope these are songs are remembered for years to come.

@robertdavis5477

I saw Spike Jones on the stage. Red Ingle was priceless. Spike never cracked a smile.

@bennyjazzful

WOW WOW WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From a mad keen 76yo Aussie fan.
GOD--They were musical genius.

@barrethansen2158

My introduction to "Demented" music, which I would build my radio career on as Dr. Demento. When I was 4 years old, my dad brought home this record. He bought it for "Cocktails for Two," but this side appealed even more to me. It took me awhile to figure out what the lyrics meant, but I loved the happy music and sound effects from the start.

@the78prof72

It's also one of my favorite Spikes, Doctor. Sounds like your dad and mine had similarly 'refined' musical tastes, as this and about 6 or 7 additional Jones Bluebirds & Victors were heard with some regularity at our house during my late 1940s kid years ("Where are ya, ya old bat?!?")

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