Waiting For the Robert E. Lee
Al Jolson
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Way down on the levy in old Alabamy There's Daddy and Mammy There's Ephraim and Sammy On a moonlight night you can find them all While they are waiting, The banjos are syncopating What's that they're saying? What's that they're saying? While they keep playing A, humming and swaying It's the good ship Robert E. Lee That's come to carry the cotton away! Watch them shuffling along, See them shuffling along! Go take your best gal, real pal Go down to the levy, I said to the levy, And join that shuffling throng Hear that music and song! It's simply great, mate, waiting on the levy Waiting for the Robert E. Lee! The whistles are blowing, the smokestacks are showing The ropes they are throwing, excuse me I'm going To the place where all is harmonious Even the preacher, he is the dancing teacher! Have you been down there? Were you around there? If you ever go there you'll always be found there, Why, dog-gone, here comes my baby On the good old Robert E. Lee! Watch them shuffling along, See them shuffling along Go take your best gal, real pal Go down to the levy, I said to the levy, And join that shuffling throng Hear that music and song! It's simply great, mate, waiting on the levy Waiting for the Robert E. Lee!
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Written by: L WOLFE GILBERT, LEWIS F MUIR
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Formation"Waiting for the Robert E. Lee" is an American popular song written by Lewis F. Muir and L. Wolfe Gilbert in 1912. It was originally performed by Al Jolson.
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NamesakeThe song’s title is a reference to the steamboat "Robert E. Lee". This steamboat was named after the Confederate General Robert E. Lee, making the song a reminder of the Mississippi River's traditional steamboat culture.
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StructureThe song's structure includes a main chorus and a verse. It is written in a ragtime style, which was a popular genre during the era when the song was created.
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Noteworthy PerformersAside from Al Jolson, numerous artists have covered the song, including Dean Martin. Al Jolson's version of "Waiting for the Robert E. Lee" was recorded in 1912, while Dean Martin's version was recorded in 1962 — a half-century later.
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Film AppearanceAl Jolson performed the song in the 1930 film "Mammy," which brought increased attention to this piece.
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Historical ContextThe song paints a picturesque view of Southern life in the United States during the 19th century, particularly around Louisiana and the Mississippi River basin.
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Legacy"Waiting for the Robert E. Lee" has been featured in various cultural and historical contexts over the years, including films, musicals, and television shows, demonstrating its enduring popularity and recognition.
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Dean Martin’s VersionMartin’s version of the song slightly differs from Jolson's original. He performed the song during an episode of "The Dean Martin Show," reinforcing the song’s upbeat tempo and rhythmic charm.
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Lyric InterpretationThe song's lyrics are often seen as an expression of nostalgia and sentimentality for a bygone era of Southern U.S. culture.
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Musical InfluenceAnnotations of "Waiting for the Robert E. Lee" reveal the influence of African-American musical styles, particularly ragtime, which can be seen in the song's syncopated rhythms and lively tempo. This reveals the song's place within broader American cultural and musical contexts.
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Citation
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"Waiting For the Robert E. Lee Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/25365407/Al+Jolson/Waiting+For+the+Robert+E.+Lee>.
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