DON’T GET AROUND MUCH ANYMORE
(Lyrics by Bob Russel, Music by Duke Ellington)
This was written by Ellington as a big band instrumental number in 1940. The lyrics were added two years later and the Ink Spots had a Number One hit with it the year after that. It’s been recorded many times, of course, but the one-verse parody doesn’t work unless you know the tune. I heard this for the first time only a few weeks ago when an actor friend sang it to me in the kitchen. I laughed like a drain. It’s really silly.
Missed the Saturday dance
Heard they crowded the floor
Couldn’t bear it without you
Don’t get around much anymore
Thought I’d visit the club
Got as far as the door
They’d have asked me about you
Don’t get around much anymore
Darling, I guess my mind’s more at ease
But nevertheless, why stir up memories
Been invited on dates
Might have gone but what for
Awfully different without you
Don’t get around much anymore
DON’T BRUSH MY TEETH MUCH ANYMORE
Anon.
Missed the piss-pot last night,
Pissed all over the floor.
Mopped it up with my toothbrush –
Don’t brush my teeth much anymore.
I googled the parody lyrics after just hearing Max Geldray play the tune on today’s Goon Show on BBC R4 Extra, and remembered my late Pa who used to sing these words – or would TRY to sing the words – without laughing 30 years ago. It still makes me laugh now. I just wondered where it came from – it looks like there’s no definitive source. But thanks for confirming the hilarity.