Formed to play proms in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the group originally consisted of the three McMichael brothers: tenors Judd (1906-1989) and Joe (1916-1944), and baritone Ted (1908-2001). They were discovered by singer-bandleader Eddie Dunstedter. In 1930 the McMichaels, after performing as The Mystery Trio and The Personality Boys, added a female lead singer, Cheri McKay, and changed their name to The Merry Macs.
In 1936 they appeared on several national radio programs, and Cheri McKay was replaced by Helen Carroll. (McKay trained her successor in the group's singing style.)
Vocal quartets had customarily harmonized like barbershop quartets. The Merry Macs revolutionized vocal harmony with closer harmonic chords. This style inspired other groups, like The Modernaires and Six Hits and a Miss. In 1938 The Merry Macs signed with Decca Records and recorded “Pop Goes the Weasel.” The Merry Macs (with Carroll) sang a swing version of "Down by the Old Mill Stream" in the 1939 Vitaphone musical Seeing Red, Red Skelton's first film.
In 1939 Mary Lou Cook (b. 1910) replaced Helen Carroll. This is the foursome that most listeners know from film appearances. The McMichael brothers and Cook appeared as a specialty act in Hollywood movies, including 1940's Love Thy Neighbor, and Universal Pictures gave The Merry Macs their own feature-film series in 1941. Their most famous film is Ride 'Em Cowboy (1942), an Abbott and Costello comedy in which The Merry Macs offer musical interludes. At the time, Mary Lou was married to actor Elisha Cook, Jr.; evidently there were problems because Mary Lou ended both her marriage and her affiliation with The Merry Macs at about the same time.
Marjory Garland (1923-1991) replaced Mary Lou Cook after Ride 'Em Cowboy was filmed. The Merry Macs continued to score on the hit parade; their rendition of "Mairzy Doats" was a best-seller. Garland, who later married Judd McMichael, remained with the group until the 1960s.
Youngest brother Joe McMichael served in the armed forces and was killed in 1944. He was replaced by Clive Erard, then Dick Baldwin, and finally Vern Rowe. The foursome of Judd, Ted, Marjory and Vern continued performing until they retired from show business in 1964.
Mairzy Doats
The Merry Macs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Goofy as a goon and silly as a loon
Some call it pretty, others call it crazy
But they all sing this tune:
Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy divey
A kiddley divey too, wouldn't you?
Yes! Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy divey
If the words sound queer and funny to your ear, a little bit jumbled and jivey
Sing "Mares eat oats and does eat oats and little lambs eat ivy"
Oh! Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy divey
A kiddley divey too, wouldn't you-oo?
A kiddley divey too, wouldn't you?
The lyrics to The Merry Macs's "Mairzy Doats" may seem nonsensical at first, but they actually have a hidden meaning. The song was written in 1943 during the height of World War II, and many believe that it was created as a way for soldiers to communicate secretly without enemy interception. The words "mairzy doats" sound like "mares eat oats," and "liddle lamzy divey" sounds like "little lambs eat ivy." This clever wordplay enabled soldiers to pass messages without the fear of them being decoded by the enemy.
The lyrics of the song also capture the light-hearted and carefree spirit of the time. The song is nutty, goofy, silly, and crazy - all qualities that people were looking for during the war years. The playful tune and wordplay made it an instant hit and have kept it popular over the years.
"Marizy Doats" is also historically significant in that it was the first recording by a black-owned record company, Jubilee Records, to sell over a million copies. The original recording was made by The Merry Macs in 1944 and has since been covered by numerous artists, including the likes of Perry Como, Rosemary Clooney, and The Beatles, among others.
Line by Line Meaning
I know a ditty nutty as a fruitcake
I am aware of a song that is as crazy as a cake with lots of nuts.
Goofy as a goon and silly as a loon
It's as ridiculous as someone who is overdramatic and senseless.
Some call it pretty, others call it crazy
Different people have different opinions about it, some think it's beautiful, some think it's insane.
But they all sing this tune:
But regardless of their opinions, they all sing this specific song.
Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy divey
Silly made-up terms that form the basis of the song.
A kiddley divey too, wouldn't you?
It's also a playful and fun song to sing, don't you think?
If the words sound queer and funny to your ear, a little bit jumbled and jivey
If the lyrics sound strange and confusing to you, like they don't make sense.
Sing 'Mares eat oats and does eat oats and little lambs eat ivy'
Then just sing the alternate version which replaces made-up words with more familiar ones.
Oh! Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy divey
Repeating the silly made-up lyrics once again.
A kiddley divey too, wouldn't you-oo?
And once again, asking if you also find it a fun song to sing.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Al Hoffman, Jerry Livingston, Milton Drake
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@7eternallove474
Lyrics For Confused 21st Century Listeners:
I know a ditty nutty as a fruitcake
Goofy as a goon and silly as a loon
Some call it pretty, others call it crazy
But they all sing this tune:
Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy divey
A kiddley divey too, wouldn't you?
Yes! Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy divey
A kiddley divey too, wouldn't you?
If the words sound queer and funny to your ear, a little bit jumbled and jivey
Sing "Mares eat oats and does eat oats and little lambs eat ivy"
Oh! Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy divey
A kiddley divey too, wouldn't you-oo?
A kiddley divey too, wouldn't you?
@angelwessel1433
My mother sang this to me in early 60's.. I then sang to my kids '80,'89, '91. My daughter now sings it to my grandson, soon my granddaughter. 4 generations! Same as "4 leaf clover". Lovely memories.
@eaglechas
My dad sang it to me telling me my musics stank and this is what I should be listening to
@cc8071
My mother sang it to me when I was a kid in the early 60's, too!
@dougleslie8245
My grandma sang it to all her kids, my mom did to us. Not sure with my siblings but my kids love it. Especially my youngest. Hope one day when we have our next they love it as much as my others. My oldest who is 5 sings it. So 4 generations here 👍
@laurawillingham1965
@@cc8071 Mine, too! So did my dad. I loved, and still love, this fun, happy little song.
@succytash
And my mother did too, in the early 70's. She was born in 35, though, so no doubt heard it on the radio as a child.
@catherinehiggins1968
My grandpa used to sing this to me when I was little. I miss him🥲
@bernifitzsimmons176
“Who’s still vibing to this in 2023?” - My dead great-grandfather
@jumbliejune
One of the many songs my Mum used to sing ,,whilst dancingthroughthe chores,she had a lovely voice xxx bless her,much missed 🙏 ❤️
@Jameslopez5682
Hello June how are you doing hope you’re having a great time with your family may God bless you and your family