About the song
“Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” is a quintessential piece of American musical history, inextricably linked to the spirit of World War II. This infectious jump blues number, penned by Don Raye and Hughie Prince, burst onto the scene in 1941 when it was introduced by the iconic Andrews Sisters in the comedy film “Buck Privates.” With its energetic rhythm and catchy lyrics, the song quickly captured the nation’s heart, becoming a symbol of optimism and resilience during a time of uncertainty.
The song’s popularity soared, reaching number six on the U.S. pop singles chart and earning a coveted spot on the “Songs of the Century” list. Its enduring appeal is evident in Bette Midler’s 1972 cover, which also achieved top ten status. Beyond its commercial success, “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” garnered critical acclaim, receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
Interestingly, the song’s origins can be traced back to an earlier Raye-Prince hit, “Beat Me Daddy, Eight to the Bar,” suggesting a deep-rooted connection to the boogie-woogie piano style that was gaining popularity at the time. This musical foundation undoubtedly contributed to the song’s energetic and infectious quality.
More than just a popular tune, “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” has solidified its status as an iconic representation of the World War II era. Its influence extends beyond music, inspiring a cartoon of the same name and serving as a touchstone for countless media depictions of the period. The song’s enduring legacy is further cemented by Christina Aguilera’s homage, “Candyman,” which pays tribute to both the Andrews Sisters and the original masterpiece.
In conclusion, “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has captured hearts and minds for generations. Its ability to evoke the spirit of an era while remaining fresh and relevant is a testament to its timeless appeal.
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Lyrics
He was a famous trumpet man from out Chicago way
He had a boogie style that no one else could play
He was the top man at his craft
But then his number came up and he was gone with the draft
He’s in the army now, a blowin’ reveille
He’s the boogie woogie bugle boy of Company B
They made him blow a bugle for his Uncle Sam
It really brought him down because he couldn’t jam
The captain seemed to understand
Because the next day the cap’ went out and drafted a band
And now the company jumps when he plays reveille
He’s the boogie woogie bugle boy of Company B
A toot, a toot, a toot diddelyada toot
He blows it eight to the bar, in boogie rhythm
He can’t blow a note unless the bass and guitar is playin’ with ‘I’m
He makes the company jump when he plays reveille
He’s the boogie woogie bugle boy of Company B
He was our boogie woogie bugle boy of Company B
And when he plays boogie woogie bugle he was buzy as a bzzz bee
And when he plays he makes the company jump eight to the bar
He’s the boogie woogie bugle boy of Company B
Toot toot toot, toot diddelyada, toot diddelyada
Toot, toot, he blows it eight to the bar
He can’t blow a note if the bass and guitar isn’t with ‘I’m
A a a and the company jumps when he plays reveille
He’s the boogie woogie bugle boy of Company B
He puts the boys asleep with boogie every night
And wakes ’em up the same way in the early bright
They clap their hands and stamp their feet
Because they know how he plays when someone gives him a beat
He really breaks it up when he plays reveille
He’s the boogie woogie bugle boy of Company B
Da doo da da doo da da da
Da doo da da doo da da da
Da doo da da doo da da da
Da doo da da doo da da
A a a and the company jumps when he plays reveille
He’s the boogie woogie bugle boy of Company B