'BALLAD IN SWING TIME' - El Mick
An original song by Mick Sumbling about the post-war 1940's music scene and how Betty was drawn to it by the songs of Hoagy Carmichael, the Gershwins and Cole Porter.
Featuring video footage of Earl Carroll And His Band (1938).
Dedicated to Colin Stewart.
BALLAD IN SWING TIME
1. Now Long, long ago when Louis(1) was King
And Danny(2) was Jester in the land of Swing
Mama sang along with Bing(3), Nat King(4) and Sinatra(5)
2. Betty knew every one of their hits
From High Society through to Route 66
Mama didn’t get her kicks to a Moonlight Sonata
Big band riffing in the night.
This is Betty’s pre-wedding ring time.
The singer steps up to the mic.
It’s a ballad in swing time.
3. Up at the palace they were having a ball
The Duke(6) was summoned, and the Count(7) was called
Lady(8) sang the blues, it all began to begin there
4. Mama loved every one of their songs
That Hoagy (9), the Gershwins(10) and Mr Porter(11) brought along
Neither one could do no wrong, each one was a treasure
Big band riffing in the night.
From Betty’s pre-wedding ring time.
A saxophone steps into the light.
It’s a ballad in swing time.
5. Long, long ago when Louis was King
And Danny was Jester at the Court of Swing
Mama sang along with Bing, Nat King and Sinatra
6. Now, Betty knew every one of their hits
From High Society through to Route 66
Mama didn’t get her kicks to a Moonlight Sonata
Big band riffing in the night.
From Betty’s pre-wedding ring time
The singer steps up to the mic.
It’s a ballad in swing time
Ballad in Swing Time / England in the springtime
Ballad in Swing Time / A pre-wedding ring time
CAST:
(1) Louis Armstrong
(2) Danny Kaye
(3) Bing Crosby
(4) Nat King Cole
(5) Frank Sinatra
(6) Duke Ellington
(7) Count Basie
(8) Lady Day (Billie Holiday)
(9) Hoagy Carmichael
(10) George & Ira Gershwin
(11) Cole Porter