They signed to Decca in 1934, basically formed more traditional regular band, and even started performing live until they had their famous falling out in September, 1935.
(See Tommy Dorsey and Jimmy Dorsey's individual listings for more details).
Smack Dab in the Middle
The Dorsey Brothers 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 Dorsey Brothers's song Smack Dab In The Middle tells the story of a person who is looking for a town where people like to have a good time and party, and once found, they want to be in the middle of it all. The person desires an extravagant lifestyle, with luxury cars, clothes, and a big house. They also want a lot of company, insisting on having 50 chicks who are not over 22. Additionally, the person wants to be surrounded by beauty, pearls on the ground and a hundred beds with chorus girls. Ultimately, they want to have everything they could ever want so that they can "rock and roll to satisfy [their] soul."
The lyrics convey the idea of living life to the fullest and not caring about anything else but having fun. The message is clear: life should be enjoyed, and the person singing won't settle for anything less than everything they desire. The fast-paced beat and upbeat melody complement the carefree nature of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Pick me a town in any clime
Choose a place, any place.
Where people like a rockin time
Where the people are lively and enjoy music.
And stay awake both day and night
Where the people never sleep in order to keep the party going.
Till everybody's feelin good an' right
Until everyone is happy and satisfied.
Then throw me (smack dab in the middle)
Put me right in the middle of it all.
I wanna be (smack dab in the middle)
I desire to be in the center of everything.
Ahhhhh, smack dab in the middle, boys now
Right in the middle is where I want to be, fellows.
So I can rock and roll to satisfy my soul
So that I can dance and enjoy myself to the fullest.
Ten Cadillacs, a diamond mill
I want luxury cars and jewels.
Ten suits of clothes to dress to kill
I want to be dressed to the nines.
A ten room house, some Bar B Q
I want a large home and some delicious barbecue.
And fifty chicks not over twenty-two
I want fifty young women as my companions, all under the age of twenty-two.
One hundred beds with chorus girls
I want a hundred beds with choir girls, presumably for entertainment.
A street that's paved with natural pearls
I want an extravagant street made of pearls.
A wagon load of bonds and stocks
I want a significant amount of money from shares and bonds.
Then open up the door at Fort Knox
I want access to Fort Knox, where the United States stores its gold reserves.
Ah, throw me now, smack dab in the middle right now
Put me in the middle of all of these luxuries and experiences.
That's all right!
It's all good!
A lot of bread and gangs of meat
I want plenty of food and meat.
Oodles of butter and somethin sweet
I want lots of butter and desserts.
Gallons of coffee to wash it down
I want lots of coffee to drink and cleanse the palate.
Bicarbonated soda by the pound
I want soda in large amounts.
I picture it (smack dab in the middle)
I envision myself in the middle of all these riches.
Ah, throw me now, smack dab in the middle right now
Put me right in the middle of all these luxuries.
So I can rock and roll to satisfy my soul
So that I can enjoy myself to the fullest.
Alright!
Okay, let's do it!
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHARLES E CALHOUN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind