Crazy Sam’s Too Fat Polka (1947)
On Saturdays I take a break from the heavy stuff and have some fun…
Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.
1) Have you ever danced the polka?
Nope. And I never will.
2) The centerpiece of a traditional Polish polka band is the accordion. The accordion is a substantial instrument. Have you ever tried to play it?
Nope. And I never will.
3) The plump lady of this song cannot fit into the singer's car. How many passengers does your car comfortably seat?
Four adults and a child.
4) Would you like to lose a few pounds?
More than a few pounds.
5) In the long ago 1940s, this song was considered amusing. Do you think it's still funny today?
No, I didn’t like it when I heard it for the first time… it’s polka!
6) Arthur Godfrey, who recorded this song, was a popular radio and TV host from the 1930s to the 1970s. Before this week's Saturday 9, had you ever heard of him?
Oh yes, I used to watch him all the time.
7) One of his more popular radio shows was Talent Scouts. A 1940s-50s version of American Idol, this show gave previously unknown singers their first national exposure. Godfrey could point with pride to having helped discover Tony Bennett and Patsy Cline, but he made a mistake by rejecting Elvis Presley. Tell us about something you'd do differently if you could get a "do over."
I don’t know, there were not many wrong tracks that I have taken, my life has worked out pretty good.
8) In 1953, Godfrey made news by having one of the nation's very first hip replacements. Have you ever been/would you be part of a clinical trial, either for a new drug or a new medical procedure?
No, I hope that I never have to test a new drug because most of the time they test on people who that is usually their last chance.
9) RANDOM QUESTION: You and a friend are shopping. She tries on an expensive sweater and enthusiastically asks what you think. You think it looks awful. Do you tell her the truth?
I think I would beat around the bush with a lot of Um… Ah…
On Saturdays I take a break from the heavy stuff and have some fun…
Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.
1) Have you ever danced the polka?
Nope. And I never will.
2) The centerpiece of a traditional Polish polka band is the accordion. The accordion is a substantial instrument. Have you ever tried to play it?
Nope. And I never will.
3) The plump lady of this song cannot fit into the singer's car. How many passengers does your car comfortably seat?
Four adults and a child.
4) Would you like to lose a few pounds?
More than a few pounds.
5) In the long ago 1940s, this song was considered amusing. Do you think it's still funny today?
No, I didn’t like it when I heard it for the first time… it’s polka!
6) Arthur Godfrey, who recorded this song, was a popular radio and TV host from the 1930s to the 1970s. Before this week's Saturday 9, had you ever heard of him?
Oh yes, I used to watch him all the time.
7) One of his more popular radio shows was Talent Scouts. A 1940s-50s version of American Idol, this show gave previously unknown singers their first national exposure. Godfrey could point with pride to having helped discover Tony Bennett and Patsy Cline, but he made a mistake by rejecting Elvis Presley. Tell us about something you'd do differently if you could get a "do over."
I don’t know, there were not many wrong tracks that I have taken, my life has worked out pretty good.
8) In 1953, Godfrey made news by having one of the nation's very first hip replacements. Have you ever been/would you be part of a clinical trial, either for a new drug or a new medical procedure?
No, I hope that I never have to test a new drug because most of the time they test on people who that is usually their last chance.
9) RANDOM QUESTION: You and a friend are shopping. She tries on an expensive sweater and enthusiastically asks what you think. You think it looks awful. Do you tell her the truth?
I think I would beat around the bush with a lot of Um… Ah…
#9 puts us all in an uncomfortable spot, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteBTW, I think you posted the wrong video. The one that's on your blog is Art Linkletter, not Arthur Godfrey.
Yikes! I got the two mixed up. That is what happens when you do the meme when you first wake up and hadn't had any coffee yet.
ReplyDeleteWe had to do polka dancing as well as square dancing when I was in elementary and middle school gym classes. Yikes!
ReplyDeleteI had a friend who married into a family of polka people. When I threw my friend a bridal shower they all showed up in their polka dresses because they were going to polka right after the shower.
ReplyDeleteI think it is good that your life has worked out for you. I know I can sure look back and see some paths I should or should not have taken.
ReplyDeleteI had basically the same thought, though it isn't what I answered, about being a drug guinea pig. The last hope of the desperate.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in western Mass. There is a very large Polish population in some of the towns. Some of the things I remember most about my childhood are:
ReplyDelete1.) Going to Mountain Park in Holyoke with my family where they would almost always have polka bands playing in the pavilion on the weekend. My Dad's employer would always have their company picnic at Mountain Park. Jimmy Sturr and Larry Chesky were often there. It was hard to get away from the music so I grudgingly accepted it even though it was an opposite my rock and roll leaning. As an adult, I realize that it is a happy and lively type of music.
2.) If I remember correctly, the local ABC station (WHYN 40) had a locally produced TV show in the 70's called "Polka" which featured local people dancing to polka music performed by the same Jimmy and Larry and many others I'm sure but after 40+ years I don't remember. My (non Polish) parents would often watch this show to my dismay.
3.) Until recently, one of the UMass radio stations aired Polka music every Saturday morning. I remember hearing that the school was trying to reduce or remove the Polka music because it didn't fit in with the school but the community raised a fuss because they're the ones who provided money for the university. I don't know how it all turned out or if it has been resolved.
Full disclosure:
1.) I am a huge fan of one "Weird Al Yankvic" so I have been corrupted by accordion music.
2.) My Dad can make noise with almost any type of musical instrument which sometimes sounds like music. He also has a number of accordions, violins, guitars, xylophones, marimbas, ukuleles...
Heather
Nobody ever likes their weight. I'm with you on polkas...
ReplyDelete