“Patty Andrews, the lead singer of the Andrews sisters group was born in Mound, Minnesota on February 16, 1918 in a house that occupied the property where The Gillespie Center stands today.
During the 1920’s Laverne, Maxene and Patty Andrews spent their summers in Mound, living with their parents in a house across the street from the grocery store that was owned by Pete and Ed Sollie, bachelor uncles of the three girls. (Today, Green T Accounting occupies the Sollie grocery store building and The Gillespie Center is on the land where the Andrews Sisters’ house once stood.)” - From a commentary by Tom Rockvam that appeared in The Laker Newspaper during 2005.
They started their career as imitators of an earlier successful singing group, the Boswell Sisters. After singing with various dance bands and touring on Vaudeville, they first came to national attention with their recordings and radio broadcasts in 1937. Their music entertained Allied troops worldwide during World War II, sold war bonds, appeared in several films (including a few Abbott and Costello features), and performed for soldiers serving overseas. Their first film with Abbott and Costello, the pre-war comedy Buck Privates, introduced their best-known recording, "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" which would win Best Song at the Academy Awards.
They also recorded many songs with Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and other popular artists of the era. Their popularity was such that after the war they discovered that some of their records had actually been smuggled into Germany after the labels had been changed to read "Hitler's Marching Songs."
After a brief hiatus after the war, the sisters regrouped, performing in clubs throughout the United States and Europe. They broke up in 1953, with Patty's choice to go solo. Their last appearance together was in 1962 on The Dean Martin Show. Laverne, who had cancer, retired soon after; she died five years later, in 1967 at the age of 55.
After a long silence, the two surviving sisters had something of a comeback when Bette Midler recorded a cover of their song "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy." Maxene and Patty appeared both together and separately throughout the 1970s, with Maxene releasing a solo album in 1986. Their most notable comeback; however, was in the Sherman Brothers' nostalgic World War II musical: "Over Here!" which premiered on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre in 1974. The musical featured the two then living sisters (Maxene and Patty) and was written with them in mind for the leads. It launched the careers of many, now notable theater and film icons (John Travolta, Marilu Henner, Ann Reinking, et al). Ironically it was the last major hurrah of the sisters and was cut short due to a frivolous lawsuit initiated by Patty's husband to the show's producers.
Throughout their long career, the sisters had sold over 60 million records. The group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1998.
The last of the three sisters Patty Andrews died of natural causes at her home in Northridge, California on January 30, 2013, just 17 days before her 95th birthday. The sisters were interred in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale, California, close to their parents.
The Jumpin' Jive
The Andrews Sisters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
De-boodle-de-ack, de-boodle-de-ackasaki!
Hep-hep!
Oh, rang-tang, te-dah-dah,
Hep-hep!
Gonna tell you 'bout the jumpin' jive,
Hep-hep!
Hep-hep!
Cats gonna beat out this mellow jive;
Hep-hep!
Beat it out on the mellow side.
Boy?
Whatcha gonna say there, gate?
Oh, boy!
Whatcha gonna say there, gate?
Palomar, Shalomar, Swanee shore,
Let me dig that jive once more,
Boy!
Lay it right on down to the gator.
Oh, boy!
Lay it flat as a gator.
Now, can't you hear those hepcats call,
Yeah!
Come on, boys, let's have a ball!
The jim, jam, jump on the jumpin' jive
Makes you dig your jive on the mellow side,
Hep-hep!
Hep-hep!
The jim, jam, jump is the solid jive
Makes you nine foot tall when you're four foot five,
Hep-hep!
Hep-hep!
Now, don't you be that ickeroo,
Get hep, come on and follow through,
Then you get your steady foo,
You make the joint jump like the gators do,
The jim, jam, jump on the jumpin' jive
Makes you like your eggs on the Jersey side,
Hep-hep!
Hep-hep!
The jim, jam, jumpin' jive
Makes you hep-hep on the mellow side!
Hep-hep!
Hep-hep!
Hep-hep!
Hep-hep!
The jim, jam, jump on the jumpin' jive,
Will make you dig your jive on the mellow side,
Hep-hep!
Hep-hep!
The jim, jam, jump, the solid jive
Makes you nine foot tall when you're four foot five,
Hep-hep!
Hep-hep!
Now, don't you be that ickeroo,
Get hep, come on and follow through,
Then you get your steady foo,
You make the joint jump like the gators do,
The jim, jam, jump on the jumpin' jive
Makes you like your eggs on the Jersey side,
Hep-hep!
Hep-hep!
The jim, jam, jumpin' jive,
Makes you hep-hep on the mellow side;
Hep-hep!
Hep-hep!
Now, I've told you 'bout the jumpin' jive,
The jim, jam, jump, the jumpin' jive,
I know you dug this mellow jive,
Oh, you dig it on the mellow side.
The Andrews Sisters' "The Jumpin' Jive" is a lively and upbeat swing tune that invites its audience to dance with its various vivacious vocalizations and rhythmic beats. There are plenty of phrases in this song that are unique and playful such as "De-boodle-de-ack," "Rang-tang, te-dah-dah," and "ickeroo." The song is essentially about the energizing effect of the "jumpin' jive" on people as the singers urge the listeners to follow along and not be left behind. The lyrics mention dance halls, swing music and the various locations where the style of music and dance was popular.
The song's chorus contains the catchy repetition, "Hep-hep!" which is a slang term from the 1930s that evolved among subcultures like jazz and swing dancers, indicating approval and excitement. It is also thought to have originated as a cheer for German students in the 19th century.
Line by Line Meaning
Hep-hep!
Excited exclamation to kick off the song.
De-boodle-de-ack, de-boodle-de-ackasaki!
Non-sensical scatting to add energy to the song.
Oh, rang-tang, te-dah-dah,
More scatting to add to the rhythm.
Gonna tell you 'bout the jumpin' jive,
Introducing the song's topic, the fast-paced dance craze called the 'jumpin' jive.'
Jim, jam, jump, the jumpin' jive;
Describing the movements and style of the jumpin' jive.
Cats gonna beat out this mellow jive;
The performers are going to play the music and sing the lyrics with a relaxed and enjoyable feel.
Beat it out on the mellow side.
Play the music with a smooth and easygoing rhythm.
Whatcha gonna say there, gate?
Asking a question to someone who is likely the band's manager or sound engineer.
Palomar, Shalomar, Swanee shore,
Naming a few places where this music style can be heard.
Let me dig that jive once more,
I want to hear that music style again.
Boy!
Another scatting expression of excitement.
Lay it right on down to the gator.
Play the music in a way that makes people want to dance like alligators.
Now, can't you hear those hepcats call,
Referring to the people in the audience who are enjoying the music.
Come on, boys, let's have a ball!
Encouraging the performers and audience to have fun and enjoy the music.
The jim, jam, jump on the jumpin' jive
The fast and lively dance music energizes people to move and have fun.
Makes you dig your jive on the mellow side,
The music can be played with a smooth and relaxed rhythm, even though it's fast-paced.
The jim, jam, jump is the solid jive
The music has a strong and consistent rhythm.
Makes you nine foot tall when you're four foot five,
The music can make you feel confident and powerful, regardless of your physical size.
Now, don't you be that ickeroo,
Don't be shy or hesitant to dance and have fun.
Get hep, come on and follow through,
Join in with the dancing and excitement.
Then you get your steady foo,
Once you start dancing and feeling the rhythm, you'll get comfortable and find your balance.
You make the joint jump like the gators do,
Your dancing and energy will make the atmosphere lively and energetic, like a group of alligators jumping around.
Makes you like your eggs on the Jersey side,
The fast-paced music can make you feel energized and ready for anything, like a hearty breakfast.
The jim, jam, jumpin' jive,
Referring to the jumpin' jive style of music that is the focus of the song.
Makes you hep-hep on the mellow side;
The music can make you feel trendy and cool, even when it's played with a relaxed rhythm.
Now, I've told you 'bout the jumpin' jive,
The song is wrapping up, having fulfilled its promise to share information about the jumpin' jive.
I know you dug this mellow jive,
The performers hope that the audience enjoyed the music's smooth and easygoing rhythm.
Oh, you dig it on the mellow side.
Reiterating that the music can be enjoyed with a relaxed and enjoyable rhythm.
Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cab Calloway, Frank Froeba, Jack Palmer
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jurgen1641
Boy?
Oh, boy!
Palomar, Shalomar, Swanee shore
Let at me dig dig dig that how i'll jive some more
Boy? Oh boy!
The jim-jam-jump is the jumpin' jive
Makes you get your kicks on the mellow side.
Hep! Hep! hip-hip hip-hip
Hep! Hep! hip-hip hip-hip
The jim-jam-jump with the solid jive,
Makes you nine foot tall when you're four foot five,
Hep! hep! hip-hip hip-hip
Hep! Hep! hip-hip hip-hip
Don't be that ickeroo,
Get hep and follow through,
And get your steady foo
Make the joint jump like the gators do
The jim-jam-jump with the jumpin' jive
Makes you like your eggs on the Jersey side.
Hep! Hep!
Hep! Hep!
The jim-jam-jump with the jumpin' jive,
Makes you hep, hep, hep, on the mellow side,
Up today, up today
Make the joint jump like the gators do,
The jim-jam-jump with the jumpin' jive
Makes you get your kicks on the mellow side.
Hep! Hep!
Hep! Hep! Dee - ha – ho
Ho-ho the jim-jam-jump with the solid jive,
Makes you nine foot tall when you're four foot five,
Hep! hep!
Hep! Hep! Dee - ha - ho
Oh don't be that ickeroo,
Ge-ge-ge-get that hep and than you follow through,
And get your steady foo foo foo foo foo foo
And let the foo to you
Yip your mellow, yee 'n yellow
And if you hear a knock on front the door
Do let me in because there might be more
If you're hollow, don't let the hick be follow
And let me stop to jump like the gators do
Do do the jump jump jump to be a nickleroo
The jim-jam-jump with the jumpin'jive
Make you like your eggs on the Jersey side
Hep! Hep!
Hep! Hep! Hep! Hep!
@tayler7441
Love the scat singing, hip hop of 1939!
Boy? Oh boy!
The jim-jam-jump with the jumpin' jive
Makes you get your kicks on the mellow side.
Hep! Hep! hip-hip hip-hip
Hep! Hep! hip-hip hip-hip
The jim-jam-jump with the solid jive,
Makes you nine foot tall when you're four foot five,
Hep! hep! hip-hip hip-hip
Hep! Hep! hip-hip hip-hip
Don't be that ickeroo,
Get hep and follow through,
And get your steady foo
Make the joint jump like the gators do
The jim-jam-jump with the jumpin' jive
Makes you like your eggs on the Jersey side.
Hep! Hep!
Hep! Hep!
The jim-jam-jump with the jumpin' jive,
Makes you hep, hep, hep, on the mellow side,
Up today, up today
Make the joint jump like the gators do,
The jim-jam-jump with the jumpin' jive
Makes you get your kicks on the mellow side.
Hep! Hep!
Hep! Hep! Dee - ha – ho
Ho-ho the jim-jam-jump with the solid jive,
Makes you nine foot tall when you're four foot five,
Hep! hep!
Hep! Hep! Dee - ha - ho
Oh don't be that ickeroo,
Ge-ge-ge-get that hep and than you follow through,
And get your steady foo foo foo foo foo foo
And let the foo to you
Yip your mellow, yee 'n yellow
And if you hear a knock on front the door
Do let me in because there might be more
If you're hollow, don't let the hick be follow
And let me stop to jump like the gators do
Do do the jump jump jump to be a nickleroo
The jim-jam-jump with the jumpin'jive
Make you like your eggs on the Jersey side
Hep! Hep!
Hep! Hep! Hep! Hep!
On the mellow side
@Wolfhoundersful
Boy!
Oh, boy!
Panama, Shanama, Swanee shore,
Let me dig dig dig that jive some more
Boy!
Oh boy!
The jim-jam-jump with the jumpin' jive
Makes you get your kicks on the mellow side
[2x:]
Hep!
Hep!
Hip-hip hip-hip
The jim-jam-jump with the solid jive
Makes you nine foot tall when you're four foot five
[2x:]
Hep!
Hep!
Hip-hip hip-hip
Don't be that ickeroo
Get hep and follow through
And get your steady foo
Make the joint jump like the gators do
The jim-jam-jump with the jumpin' jive
Makes you like your eggs on the Jersey side
[4x:]
Hep!
The jim-jam-jump with the jumpin' jive,
Makes you hep, hep, hep on the mellow side,
Up today, up today
Make the joint jump like the gators do
The jim-jam-jump with the jumpin' jive
Makes you get your kicks on the mellow side
Hep! [4x]
Dee—ha—ho
Ho-ho the jim-jam-jump with the solid jive,
Makes you nine foot tall when you're four foot five
Hep! [4x]
Dee—ha—ho
Oh don't be that ickeroo
Ge-ge-ge-get that hep and than you follow through
And get your steady foo foo foo foo foo foo
And let the foo to you
Yip your mellow, yee 'n yellow
And if you hear a knock on front the door
Do let me in because there might be more
If you're hollow, don't let the hick be follow
And let me stop to jump like the gators do
Do do the jump jump jump to be a nickleroo
The jim-jam-jump with the jumpin' jive
Make you like your eggs on the Jersey side
Hep! [6x]
On the mellow side
@SoFlySoAwesome
One day, I suddenly had the urge to look up 1940s music after going to fiddle camp and hearing the song Kansas City Kitty. I just wanted to hear some classics after hearing the swing version of the song. My search led me to the Andrews Sisters and other artists. :) I have been listening to this lovely genre since I was 12! Kudos to the classics! Swing and boogie-woogie, blues and bluegrass forever! Classic rock n' roll for life!
@MsPerfectsquare
I'm 39 and I discovered the Andrew's Sisters through my Grandpa while still in elementary school. What a joy they are. I still listen to them all the time. Nice to know there are still kids discovering there music!
@oldclassics1923
I haven't disliked a single version of this song! I've heard Cab Calloway, Marion Hutton, and now the Andrews sisters!
@BecksPhotographics
Got so hooked on the Andrew sisters when I was twelve, in about 2011. Enjoyed by many many generations. Cried when I got the news that the lead of the group Patty Andrews died. In about 2014ish can't remember when exactly.
@niyatasseva7830
+It's A Rhys Thing I became a fan of Andnrews sisters last year- two years after Patty's death- and I was 38 then. My daughter who is 14 is even a bigger fan than me- she sings and plays on the piano some of the songs
@tiamarie6719
I believe they'll continue entertaining the angels in Heaven. Same with all the great celebrities we've lost. Also, thanks to the internet we can still enjoy their stuff and share it with future generations.
@almightycatman
I was a kid in the seventies. These ladies are way before my time, but I got so hooked on them just a few years back. This was one of my favorite AS tunes. Love all the crazy lingo in it! They rocked before rock was rock!
@bplatt1069
When I was about your age, I too got turned onto the Andrews and Big Band music through a syndicated episode of "Here's Lucy," in which the guest star was Patty Andrews; from that instant, I was hooked! Trust me, you will be a better person by cultivating good tastes in music. It will carry over into other aspects of your life--Cheers!
@kmill33260
ouais !!! ça c'est de la zic !!! magnifique !!! long life good music !!!
@jazzmantv
ive heard cab calloway's recording BUT JUST FOUND ABOUT THIS IM LOSING MY MARBLES OVER IT