OLD MAN HARLEM
(Carmichael / Vallee)

as recorded by Hoagy Carmichael (vocal & piano)
with Artie Bernstein (bass)
and Spike Jones (drums)
March 27th 1942


Old Man Harlem gives me Sunday headaches,
I've got Old Man Harlem in my bones.
He keeps me dancin' till the day breaks,
But that Old Man Harlem a-keeps me rollin' on!

He takes all your dough and leaves you skippin',
Makes you old and grey before you're limpin'.
Old Man Harlem gives me Sunday headaches,
But that Old Man Harlem keeps me rollin' on!

Daylight gives me the shivers,
Harlem did it somehow.
Always havin' the jitters,
Should be used to it now!

Lennox Avenue midnight
Gets me body and soul,
Seventh Avenue night life
Gets my Saturday roll!

Old Man Harlem gives me Sunday headaches, headaches,
I've got Old Man Harlem in my bones, my momma, my momma done told me.
He keeps me dancin' till the day breaks, day breaks,
But that Old Man Harlem keeps me rollin' on!

He takes all your dough and leaves you skippin', skippin',
Makes you old and grey before you're limpin', limpin' a-limpin'.
Old Man Harlem gives me headaches,
But that big boy keeps me rollin' on! <> (whistling)




(Transcribed by Peter Akers - May 2017)