Thursday 2 April 2009
Tune of the Day: Little Brown Jug
by Joseph E. Winner
Although this song is now popularly taught to children as an old American folk song, it was originally intended as a drinking song. The original lyrics tell a story about a man and his wife who are very good-humored alcoholics. The verses are basically a love song to alcohol, talking about how this man and his wife will never give up the sauce as long as they live.
Ha, ha, ha, you and me,
Little brown jug, don't I love thee!
Ha, ha, ha, you and me,
Little brown jug, don't I love thee!
Although the song was written in 1869, it enjoyed new popularity during prohibition when people were sneaking illegal alcohol. Several big band versions were recorded, bringing the old folk song further into the mainstream.