Mairzy Doats

Al Trace

About Mairzy Doats

“Mairzy Doats” is a novelty song written and composed in 1943 by Milton Drake, Al Hoffman, and Jerry Livingston. It was first played on radio station WOR, New York, by Al Trace and his Silly Symphonists. The song made the pop charts several times, with a version by the Merry Macs reaching No. 1 in March 1944. The song was also a number-one sheet music seller, with sales of over 450,000 within the first three weeks of release. The song's refrain, as written on the sheet music, seems meaningless: Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy divey A kiddley divey too, wouldn't you?However, the lyrics of the bridge provide a clue: 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. "This hint allows the ear to translate the final line as "a kid'll eat ivy, too; wouldn't you?" 


Year:
2005
157 
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Al Trace
Oh, mairzy doats and dozy doats and little lambsy divey
A kiddle divey, too. Wouldn't you?
Oh, mairzy doats and dozy doats and little lambsy divey

A kiddle divey, too. Wouldn't you?
If the words sound queer and funny to your ear,
A little bit jumbled and jivey.
Say, "Mares eat oats and does eat oats

and little lambs eat ivy."
Oh, mairzy doats and dozy doats and little lambsy divey
A kiddle divey, too. Wouldn't you?
Oh, mairzy doats and dozy doats and little lambsy divey

A kiddle divey, too. Wouldn't you?

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Al Trace

Albert J. Trace (December 25, 1900—August 31, 1993) was a prolific American songwriter and orchestra leader of the 1930s, 40s and 50s whose peak of popularity was reached in the Chicago area during the height of the Big Band era. more »

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Written by: AL HOFFMAN, JERRY LIVINGSTON, MILTON DRAKE

Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Origin of the Song
"Mairzy Doats" is a novelty song written and composed by Milton Drake, Al Hoffman, and Jerry Livingston. It was first popularized in its time by bandleader and musician Al Trace and later by the musical group, The Merry Macs.
Popularity
The song became extremely popular during World War II and was a number one hit in the United States for multiple weeks in 1944.
Unique Lyrics
The lyrics of "Mairzy Doats" are known for its playfulness with English language phonetics, often leading to confusion among listeners. The tricky "nonsense" lyrics when sang fast sound like, "Mares eat oats and does eat oats and little lambs eat ivy."
Usage in Pop Culture
The song has appeared in multiple movies and TV shows, such as "Ghost", "Twin Peaks", and "Criminal Minds". It has even been used for a children's book.
Variations
Variations of the song have been recorded by numerous popular musicians over the years, including Burl Ives and Spike Jones.
Influence on Other Compositions
The tune of "Mairzy Doats" has been borrowed for other songs. The theme song of the TV series "The Donna Reed Show" is notably similar.
Cover Versions
One of the most famous cover versions of "Mairzy Doats" was done by British comedian and actor, Frankie Howerd.
Renditions
The song was often performed as a comedy act, with performers exaggerating the playful nature of the song's lyrics.
Chart Success
Both Al Trace and The Merry Macs versions of "Mairzy Doats" enjoyed Billboard chart success, reflecting the song's immense popularity.
Longevity
Despite being composed in the 1940s, "Mairzy Doats" remains a recognizable tune today, a testament to its lasting cultural impact.

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