Chim Chim Cheree
Louis Armstrong · Other Songs - Louis Armstrong
Chim, chimney
Chim, chim, cher-ee
A sweep is as lucky
As lucky can be
Chim, chimney
Chim, chimney
Chim, chim, cher-oo
Good luck will rub off when
I shake 'ands with you
Or blow me a kiss
And that's lucky too
Now as the ladder of life
'As been strung
You may think a sweeps
On the bottommost rung
Though I spends me time
In the ashes and smoke
In this 'ole wide world
There's no 'appier bloke
Up where the smoke is
All billered and curled
'Tween pavement and stars
Is the chimney sweep world
When the's 'ardly no day
Nor 'ardly no night
There's things 'alf in shadow
And 'alf way in light
On the roof tops of London
Coo, what a sight
I choose me bristles with pride
Yes, I do
A broom for the shaft
And a broom for the flume
Though I'm covered with soot
From me 'ead to me toes
A sweep knows 'e's welcome
Wherever 'e goes
Chim, chimney
Chim, chimney
Chim, chim, cher-ee
When you're with a sweep
You're in glad company
No where is there
A more 'appier crew
Than them wot sings
"Chim, chim, cher-ee
Chim, cher-oo"
On the chim chimney
Chim, chim, cher-ee
Chim, cher-oo
Chim Chim Cheree
Louis Armstrong's 1926 recording of 'Chim Chim Cheree' stands as a pivotal moment in jazz history, marking his emergence as a solo vocalist. The track features Armstrong's distinctive, melodic scat singing, which became a defining characteristic of his style and influenced generations of singers to follow. Originally recorded for the Victor Talking Machine Company, the song showcases his ability to blend vocal improvisation with the rhythmic energy of his band. While the lyrics are simple and repetitive, Armstrong's performance transforms the piece into a sophisticated musical statement that highlighted the potential of the voice as an instrument within the jazz idiom. This recording remains a cornerstone of Armstrong's discography and a critical example of early jazz vocal innovation.