Sweet Potato Piper
Bing Crosby · Other Songs - Bing Crosby
That's a well known phrase
But your heart becomes
Full of kettle drums
When the sweet potato piper plays
Go on, throw your hat up
Shout a few hoorays
Cause you can't hold back
You're a jumpin' jack
When the sweet potato piper plays
Though it's not a magic flute
There's a fascinatin' toot
It's not exactly beautiful
It's sort of like an I don't know
I guess you'd call it cute
Sunbeams try new dance steps,
Songbirds sound their A's
And the world joins in
With a great big grin
When the sweet potato piper plays
Oh, play it Piper!
Yes, make me know it!
(Though it's not a magic flute)
(There's a fascinatin' toot)
(It's not exactly beautiful)
It's sort of like an I don't know
I guess you'd call it cute
Yes, I'm with the Piper!
(Music soothes the savage)
(That's a well known phrase)
But your heart becomes
Full of kettle drums
When the sweet potato piper plays
Go on, throw your hat up
Shout a few hoorays (Okay!)
(Cause you can't hold back)
(You're a jumpin' jack)
(When the sweet potato piper plays)
Though it's not a magic flute (Oh, no, no, no)
There's a fascinatin' toot (Toot-doo-doo-doo)
It's not exactly beautiful
It's sort of like an' I don't know
I guess you'd call it cute-li-doot
(Sunbeams try new dance steps)
(Songbirds sound their A's)
(And the world joins in)
(With a great big grin)
(When the sweet potato piper plays)
Oh, sweet potato piper hotter than a pickled pepper picker
Pick a piper for me
Sweet Potato Piper
Bing Crosby's 'Sweet Potato Piper' stands as a quintessential example of his mastery in the easy-listening and vocal jazz genres of the mid-20th century. Recorded with his signature warm, conversational tone, the track exemplifies Crosby's ability to blend folk storytelling with smooth jazz instrumentation. As a staple of his discography, the song reflects the era's preference for intimate, acoustic-driven recordings that prioritized lyrical clarity and melodic simplicity. The piece showcases his versatility, moving beyond traditional pop standards into softer, narrative-driven compositions that defined his later career. Its enduring appeal lies in its gentle rhythm and the artist's characteristic delivery, making it a cherished addition to collections of classic American vocal jazz.