Malvina Reynolds: Song Lyrics and Poems  

When Papa Plays Accordion

Notes: words and music by Malvina Reynolds; copyright 1958 Schroder Music Company, renewed 1986. In the Table of Contents to her songbook Song in My Pocket (1954) Malvina writes of this song: "...a production number in the Dream Theater. People used to make their own music, and they are beginning to do so again."

When Papa plays the 'cordion ev'rybody dances,
When Papa plays the 'cordion in the afternoon,
Missus Bopkin chops the meat
With a hoompla boompla beat
All the people in the street march to Papa's tune,

All the little girls and boys drop their books and marbles,
Listen to that happy noise going on and on,
Grandpas limber up their knees,
Taxi horns sing "Pardon, please!"
News boys holler melodies to the 'cordion.

When Papa plays the 'cordion ev'rybody dances,
When Papa plays the 'cordion in the afternoon,
Mail man whistles "Ain't that fine!"
Waiters hum while people dine,
Clothes are dancing on the line and a toy balloon

Dances gaily on the air and the kid that had it
Kicks his heels and doesn't care where it comes to land,
People going diff'rent ways
Stop and smile and do sashays
All the time when Papa plays his accordion.

When Papa plays the 'cordion ev'rybody dances,
When Papa plays the 'cordion in the afternoon.

Malvina Reynolds songbook(s) in which the music to this song appears:
---- Song in My Pocket: Songs
---- Cheerful Tunes for Lutes and Spoons: Youngish Songs

Malvina Reynolds recording(s) on which this song is performed:
---- [none]