Organ Grinders
The Four Aces Lyrics


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Who's that coming down the street?
Good old organ grinder Pete
He's the latest rhythm king
With his organ grinder's swing
Dadya, Pa swings it, so does Ma
Dadya, Ma swings it, so does Pa
Dadya, you swing it, so do I
Dadya, I swing it so do you

When he turns that handle down
Music goes around and 'round
Ev'rybody starts to sing
To that organ grinder's swing
Trala, Pa swings it, so does Ma
Trala, Ma swings it, so does Pa
Trala, you swing it, so do I
Trala, I swing it so do you

All the children tag along
Just to listen to his song
Monkey dancing on a string
To the organ grinder's swing
O-hum, Pa swings it, so does Ma
O-hum, Ma swings it, so does Pa




O-hum, you swing it, so do I
O-hum, I swing it so do you

Overall Meaning

The Four Aces's song, "Organ Grinder Swing," celebrates the rhythm and melody of an organ grinder and his instrument. The song expresses the excitement and joy that the organ grinder's music brings to the streets. The lyrics speak of the organ grinder named Pete, who brings his latest hit rhythm to the area. The catchy tune of the organ grinder's music is so rhythmic that it makes everyone swing and sing to its melody - even the parents and children. The lyrics say that Pete's music brings people together, as they all follow the beat, and even the monkey dances to its tune.


The repetition of the verse, where the lyrics say, "Dadya, Pa swings it, so does Ma, Dadya, Ma swings it, so does Pa," highlights the unity and togetherness that the music creates in the community. The song further emphasizes how the music brings joy, happiness, and excitement, as it says, "music goes around and around," with kids following, and everyone singing and swinging to it. The lyrics, "all the children tag along, just to listen to his song," highlight the organ grinder's popularity and the positive impact his music has on society.


Line by Line Meaning

Who's that coming down the street?
Who is that person who is approaching here?


Good old organ grinder Pete
That person is the experienced organ grinder Pete.


He's the latest rhythm king
He is very skilled at producing the latest rhythm.


With his organ grinder's swing
He uses his organ grinder's swing to create his music.


Dadya, Pa swings it, so does Ma
Everyone in the family including father, mother, siblings and I swing to the rhythm of music.


When he turns that handle down
When Pete rotates the handle of his grinder downwards.


Music goes around and 'round
The music starts to play continuously or on an endless loop.


Ev'rybody starts to sing
Everyone around starts singing along to the music.


To that organ grinder's swing
They are singing to the rhythm of Pete's organ grinder's swing.


Trala, Pa swings it, so does Ma
We keep swinging to the rhythm of the music without any stop.


All the children tag along
All the children nearby accompany us.


Just to listen to his song
They are eager to listen to Pete's music.


Monkey dancing on a string
There is also a monkey that dances to the music on a rope.


To the organ grinder's swing
That monkey is also dancing along to the rhythm of Pete's organ grinder's swing.


O-hum, Pa swings it, so does Ma
We keep on enjoying the music and swinging to its rhythm together.




Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: IRVING MILLS, MITCHELL PARISH, WILL HUDSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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