FDR Jones (1938)

H. Rome

It may sound politically incorrect, but I have always thought of this as a "black song;" research on it has not proved me wrong. Rex Ingram; Ella Fitzgerald; Judy Garland in blackface; the Mills Brothers all have versions of the tune.

Obviously, the song is born during the presidency and optimism of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.... not in his first term. First time it appears is with Ella Fitzgerald singing it in Chick Webb's orchestra - she was often given an novelty song back then... only to totally own it forever. In the 1941 MGM musical, "Babes on Broadway", starring the hyper-energetic duo of Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney, Judy performs this number in blackface as part of a minstrel show. Is that when she started doing drugs? Certainly a low point in her career.

What's great about the song: Everyone has a chance. Anyone can make it. Being named after the kick-ass president of the Depression might even help. 

VERSE

I hear tell there's a stranger in the Jones' household,

(Yes siree, yes siree) That's what I am told

I hear tell there's a new arrival six days old

(Yes siree, yes siree) Worth his weight in gold

Come right in and meet the son

Christening's done, time to have some fun

(Yes Siree, yes siree) yes siree-e-e-e

(Yes siree, yes siree-e)

CHORUS

It's a big holiday everywhere  

For the Jones family has a brand new heir  

He's the joy heaven sent  

And they proudly present  

Mister Franklin D. Roosevelt Jones  

  

When he grows up he never will stray  

With a name like the one that he's got today  

As he walks down the street folks will say 

"Pleased to meet,  

Mister Franklin D. Roosevelt Jones"  

  

What a smile and how he shows it  

He'll keep happy all day long  

What a name, I bet he knows it  

With that handle how can he go wrong?  

  

And the folks in the town all agree  

He'll be famous, as famous as he can be  

How can he be a dud or a stick in the mud  

When he's Franklin D. Roosevelt Jones?  

(yes siree, yes siree, yes siree)  

Cause he's Franklin D. Roosevelt Jones.