Boys in the Back Room

Marlene Dietrich

About Boys in the Back Room

"The Boys in the Back Room" is a song written by Frank Loesser, set to music by Frederick Hollander and performed by Marlene Dietrich in the film, Destry Rides Again (1939). It is often referenced as "See What the Boys in the Back Room Will Have". Her winking performance was a parody of her vampish roles in earlier films such as The Blue Angel (1930) and Blonde Venus (1932). The song became a standard part of her repertoire, second only to "Lili Marlene". She also sang a German version called "Gib doch den Männern am Stammtisch ihr Gift". The song was also featured in the Audie Murphy Western, Gunsmoke (1953), sung in the town saloon by Cora Dufrayne, played by Mary Castle. In Rainer Werner Fassbinders World on a Wire (1973), Ingrid Caven performs the song. It is often sung by Lieutenant Gruber in 'Allo 'Allo! 


Year:
2003
15 
#2

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See what the boys in the backroom will have
And tell them I'm having the same
Go see what the boys in the backroom will have
And give them the poison they name

And when I die don't spend my money
On flowers and my picture in a frame

[Chorus]
Just see what the boys in the backroom will have
And tell them I sighed and tell them I cried
And tell them I died of the same

And when I die don't buy a casket of silver
With the candles all aflame

Just see what the boys in the backroom will have
And tell them I sighed and tell them I cried
And tell them I died of the same

And when I die don't pay the preacher
For speaking of my glory and my fame

Just see what the boys in the backroom will have
And tell them I sighed and tell them I cried
And tell them I died of the same

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Marlene Dietrich

Marlene Dietrich (German pronunciation: [maɐˈleːnə ˈdiːtʁɪç]; 27 December 1901 – 6 May 1992) was a German-American actress and singer. more »

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Written by: FRANK LOESSER, FREDERICK HOLLANDER

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist Background
Marlene Dietrich, the artist behind "Boys in the Back Room," was a prominent actress and singer in both the United States and her native Germany. She became an international star through the 1930 film, 'The Blue Angel'.
Film Inclusion
The song "The Boys in the Back Room" was featured in the 1939 film "Destry Rides Again," where Dietrich performed it herself in one of her most iconic film roles.
Genre
The song falls within the genre of traditional pop which was popular in the 1930s.
Cultural Impact
The song is known for Dietrich's strong and sultry vocal performance. It has been cited in numerous works of popular culture since its release and is one of Dietrich's most famous songs.
Lyrics
The lyrics to "The Boys in the Back Room" were written by renowned songwriter Frank Loesser, who also penned the lyrics for other popular songs like "Baby, It's Cold Outside" and "Luck Be a Lady."
Dietrich's Signature Song
Dietrich often performed "The Boys in the Back Room" at her concert performances and cabarets, making it one of her signature songs.
Live Performances
Aside from the film, it was also performed at her one-woman Broadway show in 1967 and 1968.
Song Re-recordings
Throughout her career, Dietrich re-recorded "The Boys in the Backroom" on several occasions, most notably for her 1951 album, Marlene Dietrich Overseas.
Song Cover Versions
The song has been covered by various other artists, including Bette Midler in her 1977 live album "Live at Last."
The Song’s Legacy
The song's sexual innuendo and Dietrich's delivery made it a hit among gay audiences, and it remains an iconic piece of queer music history.

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