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MMD > Archives > February 2003 > 2003.02.27 > 11Prev  Next


Cultural References and Antiquated Slang Terms
By D. L. Bullock

Warning: the following post is intended for mature audiences!

I have a friend who has collected thousands of rare 78 rpm records.
He is constantly telling me of obscure cultural references found in
lyrics on those records.

Most of the most outlandishly funny ones are on the race labels or
records that were made for the early black audience.  Many white folk
would hear these records and think what a charming song.  But when the
black folks heard them they knew exactly what the references were and
rolled in the floor with laughter.

There are many double entendre lyrics that no one knows about today.
If you have any particular questions, I can ask him about it.  The
examples of song titles and key words are below.  There are
multitudinous references to everyday things besides off-color or sexual
terms.  They made these records because they sold very well.

jelly roll -- refers to the male parts.  Yes, the nick name of
  Jelly Roll Morton was referring to his size.
key hole --refers to the female parts.

Titles:

  I ain't gonna give nobody none o' this jelly-roll
  Whip it to a jelly
  You've got the right key, but the wrong keyhole
  Mr. Jelly Lord
  Hot nuts, get 'em from the peanut man
  If I can't sell it I'll keep sittin' on it, before I'll give it away
    (an old chair)

D.L. Bullock   St. Louis
http://www.thepianoworld.com/


(Message sent Thu 27 Feb 2003, 18:58:39 GMT, from time zone GMT-0800.)

Key Words in Subject:  Antiquated, Cultural, References, Slang, Terms

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