MR. GALLAGHER AND MR. SHEAN
(Ed Gallagher / Al Shean)

Ed Gallagher
Bing Crosby & Johnny Mercer


(JM)
Oh Mr. Crosby, (Yeah) Oh Mr. Crosby (Ask me son)
All the orchestras are swinging it today
And I wanted to find out what the noise is all about
Do you really think that swing is here to stay

(BC)
Now I’m glad you asked me
Now Mr. Mercer (Yeah) oh Mr. Mercer (I’m listening)
Swing is really much too ancient to condemn
(You don’t say)
In the jungles they would play in that same abandoned way

(JM)
On the level Mr. Crosby

(BC)
No, on the down beat Mr. M.

(JM)
Oh Mr. Crosby, (uh huh) now Mr. Crosby
(So happy to oblige)
I’ve been reading in the latest magazine (Yes)
That a jiving jitterbug blows his top and cuts a rug
Will you tell me what that language really means

(BC)
Ohhh. Mr. Mercer (Yeah,Yeah) Oh-ho-ho Mr. Mercer
(Tell me, tell me tell me)
As a student of the slang they use pro tem (Pro what?)
That just means a solid gait cuts a murderisitc plate

(JM)
That’s amazing Mr. Crosby

(BC)
That’s elementary Mr. M.

(JM)
Oh Mr. Crosby, dear Doctor Crosby
Is it true that swing’s another name for jazz
And the first place it was played
Was a New Orleans parade
And the southern Negro gave it all it had

(BC)
Ohhh! Mr. Mercer, Mr. Mercer, Mr. Mercer, Mr. Mercer.
I believe that it’s foundation came from them
(Are you positive?)
Yes they just slowed the tempo down,
And then they really went to town

(JM)
Allegretto Mr. Crosby?

(BC)
Alligators Mr. M

(BC)
Ohhh! Mr. Mercer, (Yeah) Mr. Mercer (uh huh)
Well I trust that I have made the matter clear
(It’s really too clear)
So if someone plays a thing
You’re gonna understand the swing
And appreciate the rhythm that you hear

(JM)
Ohh Mr. Crosby (Oh hear me talking to you)
No Mr. Crosby,
I’m afraid that type of rhythm’s not for me
I prefer my music played A La Schubert Serenade

(BC)
Sorta retardo Mr. Mercer

(JM)
Sorta Lombardo Mr. C.


(Contributed by Bill Huntley - December 2004)