Beer Barrel Polka

The Andrews Sisters

About Beer Barrel Polka

"Beer Barrel Polka", also known as "The Barrel Polka" and "Roll Out the Barrel", is a song which became popular worldwide during World War II. The music was composed by the Czech musician Jaromír Vejvoda in 1927. Eduard Ingriš wrote the first arrangement of the piece, after Vejvoda came upon the melody and sought Ingriš's help in refining it. At that time, it was played without lyrics as "Modřanská polka" ("Polka of Modřany"). Its first text was written later (in 1934) by Václav Zeman – with the title "Škoda lásky" ("Wasted Love"). The polka became famous around the world. In June 1939, "Beer Barrel Polka", as recorded by Will Glahé, was number one on the Hit Parade. This version was distributed by Shapiro Bernstein. Glahé's earlier 1934 recording sold many copies in its German version Rosamunde (it is possible the reason for the rapid spread was due to the occupation of Czechoslovakia by Nazi Germany, and subsequent emigration of thousands of Czechs to other parts of the world, bringing this catchy tune with them). The authors of the English lyrics were Lew Brown and Wladimir Timm. Meanwhile, the song was recorded and played by many others such as The Andrews Sisters in 1939, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Benny Goodman, Bobby Vinton, Billie Holiday, and Joe Patek who sold over a million copies of his album "Beer Barrel Polka."During World War II, versions in many other languages were created and the song was popular among soldiers, regardless of their allegiances. On VE Day, 9 May 1945, Humphrey Lyttelton played it standing on a handcart outside Buckingham Palace, a performance that could be heard in the BBC broadcast from the victory celebrations. It was claimed many times that the song was written in the country where it had just become a hit. Its actual composer was not widely known until after the war. 


Year:
2005
2:48
14 
#2

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There's a garden, what a garden
Only happy faces bloom there
And there's never any room there
For a worry or a gloom there

Oh there's music and there's dancing
And a lot of sweet romancing
When they play the polka
They all get in the swing

Every time they hear that oom-pa-pa
Everybody feels so tra-la-la
They want to throw their cares away
They all go lah-de-ah-de-ay

Then they hear a rumble on the floor, the floor
It's the big surprise they're waiting for
And all the couples form a ring
For miles around you'll hear them sing...

Roll out the barrel, we'll have a barrel of fun
Roll out the barrel, we've got the blues on the run
Zing boom tararrel, ring out a song of good cheer
Now's the time to roll the barrel, for the gang's all here

Da-da-da-da, da-da-da-da, da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da

Then they hear a rumble on the floor-or-or-or
It's the big surprise they're waiting for
And all the couples they form a ring
For miles around you'll hear them sing

Drree mopado theedo da-da-da-da

Roll it out, roll it out, roll out the barrel
Da-da-da da-da da-da da-da-da-da-da
Sing a song of good cheer
'Cause the whole gang is here
Roll it out, roll it out
Let's do the beer barrel polka

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The Andrews Sisters

The Andrews Sisters were a highly successful close harmony singing group of the swing and boogie-woogie eras. The group consisted of three sisters: contralto LaVerne Sophia Andrews (July 6, 1911 – May 8, 1967), soprano Maxene Angelyn Andrews (January 3, 1916 – October 21, 1995), and mezzo-soprano Patricia Marie "Patty" Andrews (born February 16, 1918). Throughout their long career, the sisters sold well over 75 million records (the last official count released by MCA Records in the mid-1970s). Their 1941 hit "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" can be considered an early example of rhythm and blues or jump blues. more »

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Written by: JAROMIR VEJVODA, LEW BROWN, VASEK ZEMAN, WLADIMIR A. TIMM

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Historical Significance
"Beer Barrel Polka," also known as "Roll Out the Barrel," was first written in 1927 during the interwar period in Czechoslovakia. The popularity of the song spiked during World War II, becoming a morale-boosting anthem for both British and American soldiers.
International Reach
While originating in Czechoslovakia, "Beer Barrel Polka" has since been covered by artists around the world, highlighting the song’s global appeal and universal message of mirth and camaraderie.
Bobby Vinton's Performance
Bobby Vinton, affectionately known as the "Polish Prince," performed the "Beer Barrel Polka" as part of his repertoire. He is well-known for his distinct voice and romantic song interpretations, adding his own flair to this classic tune.
Glenn Miller’s Version
Glenn Miller and His Orchestra, one of the most prominent American big bands of the 1940s, also gave a notable performance of "Beer Barrel Polka." Miller’s rendition of the song is characterized by the swinging rhythms typical of his band.
The Andrews Sisters’ Contribution
The American close harmony singing group The Andrews Sisters arguably performed one of the most famous recordings of "Beer Barrel Polka." Their cover, recorded in 1939, enhanced the song's popularity during World War II and contributed to its endurance as a classic party anthem.
Impact on Pop Culture
"Beer Barrel Polka" has culturally marked not only the war years but also several decades following them. The song has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and onstage performances as a symbol of lighthearted revelry and conviviality.
Different Languages
The song has been translated and sung in different languages, further emphasizing its massive global popularity. The English version of the song was created by Lew Brown and Wladimir Timm, and is the one often performed by artists like The Andrews Sisters and Bobby Vinton.
Awards and Rankings
While "Beer Barrel Polka" itself did not receive specific awards or chart placements due to its pre-Billboard era release, the remarkable careers of Bobby Vinton, Glenn Miller, and The Andrews Sisters, who all performed the song, are filled with numerous accolades and chart-topping hits.
Song Functions
"Beer Barrel Polka" has traditionally served to energize crowds in a variety of settings, from Oktoberfest celebrations to sporting events. Given its uplifting melody and sing-along lyrics, it creates an atmosphere of unity and high spirits.
Importance in Czech Culture
Today, the song continues to be an integral part of Czech culture where it originated. It remains a fixture at festive occasions like weddings and national celebrations.

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