Java Jive
The Ink Spots Lyrics


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I love coffee, I love tea
I love the java jive and it loves me
Coffee and tea and the jiving and me
A cup, a cup, a cup, a cup, a cup!
I love java, sweet and hot
Whoops! Mr. Moto, I'm a coffee pot
Shoot me the pot and I'll pour me a shot
A cup, a cup, a cup, a cup, a cup!
Oh, slip me a slug from the wonderful mug
And I cut a rug till I'm snug in a jug
A slice of onion and a raw one, draw one.

Waiter, waiter, percolator!
I love coffee, I love tea
I love the java jive and it loves me
Coffee and tea and the jiving and me
A cup, a cup, a cup, a cup, a cup!
Boston bean, soy bean
Lima bean, string bean.
You know that I'm not keen for a bean
Unless it is a cheery coffee bean.

I love coffee, I love tea
I love the java jive and it loves me
Coffee and tea and the jiving and me
A cup, a cup, a cup, a cup, a cup!
I love java, sweet and hot
Whoops! Mr. Moto, I'm a coffee pot
Shoot me the pot and I'll pour me a shot
A cup, a cup, a cup, a cup, a cup!
Oh, slip me a slug from the wonderful mug
And I cut a rug till I'm snug in a jug
Drop me a nickel in my pot, Joe, Taking it slow.

Waiter, waiter, percolator!
I love coffee, I love tea
I love the java jive and it loves me




Coffee and tea and the jiving and me
A cup, a cup, a cup, a cup, a cup

Overall Meaning

The Ink Spots' "Java Jive" song is a playful ode to coffee and tea. The lyrics express a joyous love for the two beverages, with the singer singing about their passion for the "java jive" that "loves me". The lyrics are filled with clever wordplay and puns, with lines like "shoot me the pot and I'll pour me a shot" and "Oh, slip me a slug from the wonderful mug." The song also references cultural touchstones like Mr. Moto, a fictional Japanese spy popular in movies at the time the song was written.


One interpretation of the song is that it is a commentary on the social importance of coffee and tea in American culture. The song was written in 1940, a time when coffee and tea were primary social beverages, and the song's lyrics reflect this. The singer sings about his or her love for coffee and tea and how they are an essential part of his or her social life. The lyrics also reference different types of beans, including Boston, soy, and Lima, highlighting the importance of coffee in American culture.


Line by Line Meaning

I love coffee, I love tea
I have an appreciation for both coffee and tea


I love the java jive and it loves me
I enjoy drinking coffee and it has positive effects on my mood and energy


Coffee and tea and the jiving and me
Drinking coffee and tea makes me feel good and I enjoy dancing


A cup, a cup, a cup, a cup, a cup!
I want multiple cups of coffee or tea


I love java, sweet and hot
I have a strong liking for hot and sweet coffee


Whoops! Mr. Moto, I'm a coffee pot
I feel so energized by drinking coffee that I embody its usefulness and may even become hyperactive


Shoot me the pot and I'll pour me a shot
Pass me the coffee pot and I'll pour myself a cup


Oh, slip me a slug from the wonderful mug
Give me some hot coffee from the appealing mug


And I cut a rug till I'm snug in a jug
I enjoy dancing spontaneously after drinking coffee and end up dropping into a state of relaxation


A slice of onion and a raw one, draw one.
I like raw onions as a side to my coffee or tea


Waiter, waiter, percolator!
Call the waiter and bring me a percolator, a coffee-making machine


Boston bean, soy bean, Lima bean, string bean.
Different types of beans that I don't particularly care for, except for coffee beans


You know that I'm not keen for a bean
I don't like most types of beans except for coffee beans, which I love


Unless it is a cheery coffee bean.
As long as it's a coffee bean, I'll be happy


Drop me a nickel in my pot, Joe, Taking it slow.
Give me some money to pay for my coffee and let me take my time enjoying it




Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MILTON DRAKE, BEN OAKLAND

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

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Frank Smith

I remember my mother singing this song to our newly-adopted German Shepherd in the 1970's He loved it. And I can almost say with certainty that she used to sing it to my brother, sister and myself when we were babies.

Natalie Roberts

That’s so sweet, just adorable.

PockASqueeno

This is such a wonderful vocal jazz standard. It’s been covered by so many other vocal groups like the Manhattan Transfer, Bluegrass Student Union, and Ringmasters. My quartet, Uncalled Four, is working on it now and planning on releasing it soon, so stay tuned! It’ll never beat the Ink Spots’ original though.

Taylah Graham

This song sounds so friendly? If this song said hi to me on the street I would shake its hand.

eperjesia

Taylah Graham that's beautiful

Felipe Moreira Santana

Oh

Jasmine aka BNJA5M1N3

Just wave 👋 six feet away...

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Michel J. Gaudet

I can remember THIS and “Mama’s gonna buy you a diamond ring...” being the FIRST two songs my mother singing to me. Thanks for the wonderful memory.

rita smith

My daddy's favorite. I bought the album in the 60's and fell in love with them. Great.

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