I DIDN'T KNOW THE GUN WAS LOADED


(Hank Fort / Herb Leighton (m & l) )


As sung by the Andrews Sisters (with Vic Schoen and His Orchestra) 1949


Also sung by:

Judy Coder

Ray Ellington Quartet

Jean Shepard

Patsy Montana

The Cannons



Oh Miss Effie was her name

Through the west she won her fame

Being handy with the gun

But she drove the men insane.


'Cause she'd whip out her pistol

And shoot most any guy

And sing out this alibi.


I didn't know the gun was loaded

And I'm so sorry my friend

I didn't know the gun was loaded

And I'll never, never do it again.


But one night she made a slip

Shot the sheriff in the hip

So the law, it took a hand

And made Effie take the stand.


And she pled, "Oh, your honor

I'll know you'll turn me loose

When you hear my one excuse."


I didn't know (she didn't know) the gun was loaded

And I'm so (and I'm so) sorry my friend

I didn't know (she didn't know) the gun was loaded

And I'll never, never do it again.


I didn't know (she didn't know)

The gun was loaded (that the gun was loaded)

But regarding the gun that I toted.


All I did was hold it high

And go (4 simulated firing sounds)

I'll never, never do it again.


(bridge)


Yes, the jury all agreed

That Miss Effie should be freed

But the sheriff's jealous wife

Was indignant (yes, indeed)

So she borrowed a pistol

And shot this village belle

And sang as Miss Effie fell.


I didn't know the gun was loaded

And I'm so (and I'm so) sorry my friend

I didn't know (she didn't know) the gun was loaded

And I'll never, never do it again.


I didn't know (she didn't know)

The gun was loaded (that the gun was loaded)

But regarding the gun that I toted


All I did was hold it high

And go (4 simulated firing sounds)

I'll never, never do it again.




Notes:


The three Andrews Sisters (LaVerne, Maxene and Patty) started their

careers during the 1930s, as a close harmony singing group and as

imitators, at least to some degree, of the Boswell Sisters (The

Bozzies). They were born in Mound, Minnesota USA. Interestingly, the

three girls had different vocal ranges, perhaps a bit unusual

considering the fact that they were all born within 7 years of each

other (soprano, mezzo and contralto). The Sisters were known for their

outstanding support of the allied troops during WWII, working onsite as

well as recording on V-Discs. They performed over the radio and made

numerous personal appearances on TV as well as many charitable

functions. They cut over 700 songs, selling over 90 million records.

Some of these were recorded with Bing Crosby (approximately 45). The

Crosby/Andrews foursome had many hit records together, perhaps one of

the best known being DON'T FENCE ME IN . The Sisters also were

recognized for standards such as I'LL BE WITH YOU IN APPLE BLOSSOM TIME




This recording appeared as the B side of a 10 inch 78 rpm single, the A

side being HURRY! HURRY! HURRY! (BACK TO ME). 


(Transcribed by David Story July 2014)