Chicago
Louis Prima · Other Songs - Louis Prima
I got the surprise, the surprise of my life
I had to stop and stare
I saw a man dancing with his own wife
And you'll never guess where
Chicago, Chicago, that toddlin' town, that toddlin' town
Chicago, Chicago, I'll show you around, I love it
Betcha bottom dollar you'll lose your blues
In Chicago, Chicago
The town that Billy Sunday could not shut down
On State Street, that great street
I just want to stay, I just want to stay
They do things they don't do on Broadway, say
They have the time, the time of their life
I saw a man who danced with his wife
In Chicago, Chicago, Chicago, Chicago
Free and easy town, brassy, breezy town
Chicago, Chicago
Let me cool my heels right down at Marshall Field
Come and walk with
Along the lake, to the drake
Hollar and hoot, all through the loop
Shout out now to Mrs. O'Leary's cow
No she-she, life is peachy
Chicago, we'll meet at the Pump Room Ambassador East
To say the least
On shishkabob and breast of squab we will feed and get free
Don't tell me sin is rampid and right
Think of that man who danced with his wife
In Chicago, Chicago,
I feel sympathy for that wonderful, windy town!
I had to stop and stare
I saw a man dancing with his own wife
And you'll never guess where
Chicago, Chicago, that toddlin' town, that toddlin' town
Chicago, Chicago, I'll show you around, I love it
Betcha bottom dollar you'll lose your blues
In Chicago, Chicago
The town that Billy Sunday could not shut down
On State Street, that great street
I just want to stay, I just want to stay
They do things they don't do on Broadway, say
They have the time, the time of their life
I saw a man who danced with his wife
In Chicago, Chicago, Chicago, Chicago
Free and easy town, brassy, breezy town
Chicago, Chicago
Let me cool my heels right down at Marshall Field
Come and walk with
Along the lake, to the drake
Hollar and hoot, all through the loop
Shout out now to Mrs. O'Leary's cow
No she-she, life is peachy
Chicago, we'll meet at the Pump Room Ambassador East
To say the least
On shishkabob and breast of squab we will feed and get free
Don't tell me sin is rampid and right
Think of that man who danced with his wife
In Chicago, Chicago,
I feel sympathy for that wonderful, windy town!
Chicago - Louis Prima
Louis Prima's 1936 recording of 'Chicago' stands as a definitive example of the swing era's energetic jazz and cabaret fusion. As a pioneering trombonist and bandleader, Prima infused the song with his signature brass-driven sound and infectious rhythm, transforming the title into a dance-floor staple. The track exemplifies the lively, upbeat style that characterized his performances and recordings during the mid-1930s, blending theatrical flair with authentic jazz improvisation. This recording captures the spirit of the Roaring Twenties, showcasing Prima's ability to deliver a high-energy performance that defined the genre of swing music and remains a celebrated piece of American musical history.