Here Comes the Judge

Pigmeat Markham

About Here Comes the Judge

"Here Comes the Judge" is a song and single by American soul and comedy singer Pigmeat Markham first released in 1968 on the Chess label. The record entered the UK charts in July 1968, spending eight weeks on the charts and reaching 19 as its highest position. The song originated with his signature comedy routine "heyeah (here) come da judge", which made a mockery of formal courtroom etiquette. Due to its rhythmic use of boastful dialogue, it is considered a precursor to hip hop music. The song contained background vocals from future soul singer Minnie Riperton, who was credited as Andrea Davis when she was recording for Chess Records, the label which released "Here Comes The Judge". It also featured future Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White, then a staff drummer at Chess Records, on drums providing the signature drum beat to the song. 


Year:
1968
851 
#4

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Hear ye, hear ye
This court is now in session
His Honor, Judge Pigmeat Markham presidin
Hear ye, hear ye, the court of swing

It's just about ready to do that thing
I don't want no tears, I don't want no lies
Above all, I don't want no alibis
This Judge is hip, and that ain't all

He'll give you time if you're big or small
All in line for this court is neat
Peace brother, here comes the Judge
Here comes the Judge

Everybody knows that he is the judge
Everybody near or far
I'm goin' to Paris to stop this war
All those kids gotta listen to me

Because I am the judge and you can plainly see
I want to big 'round table when I get there
I won't sit down to one that's square
I want to lay down the law to them that brought it

I'll bust some head because I am the judge
He is the judge, he is the judge
Who's there? I is. I is who?
I is your next door neighbor

Order in this courtroom, order in this courtroom
Judge, your Honorship, Hi sir
Did I hear you say "Order in the Court?"
Yes I said order in the court

Well, I'll take two cans of beer, please
He is the judge, he is the judge
Everybody knows that he is the judge
I had a chat with Ho Chi Min

With cheap rice wine and chased with gin
Won't take long unless I miss my guess
I'll have you out of this doggone mess
I sent a cable to Bob and Mac

Let them know I'm comin' back
Sit right down with Rock and Nick
Teach them boys some of Pigmeat's tricks
Oh, oh judge, your Honor, Pigmeat said

"Don't you remember me??"
No, who are you, boy
Well, I'm the feller that introduced you
To your wife... to my wife?

Yeah, life! You son-of-a-gun you
Come November, election time
You vote your way, I'll vote mine
'Cause there's a tie, and the money gets spent

Vote for Pigmeat Markham, President
I am the judge, vote for Pigmeat
I am the judge, vote for Pigmeat
Now, everybody knows I am the judge

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Pigmeat Markham

Dewey "Pigmeat" Markham (April 18, 1904 – December 13, 1981) was an African-American entertainer. Though best known as a comedian, Markham was also a singer, dancer, and actor. His nickname came from a stage routine, in which he declared himself to be "Sweet Poppa Pigmeat." He was sometimes credited in films as David "Pigmeat" Markham. more »

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Written by: BOB ASTOR, DEWEY MARKHAM, SARAH HARVEY, DICK ALEN

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origins
"Here Comes the Judge" was released by the American comedian Pigmeat Markham in 1968.
Chart Performance
The track reached number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was even more popular among R&B audiences, reaching number 4 on the R&B chart.
Budweiser Connection
The catchphrase "Here comes the judge," used impressively in the song, was initially part of a comedy routine that he performed in black theater circuits and later on the popular 1960s television show Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In. Budweiser beer advertisements utilized it as well.
Novel Format
Unlike most popular songs, "Here Comes the Judge" is largely spoken, not sung, using the recitative style of song delivery, which originates in operatic tradition.
First Rap Song
Some music historians consider "Here Comes the Judge" to be the first "rap" song, given its spoken-word style over a rhythmic, musical soundtrack.
Influence on Later Artists
Several artists, including the British ska band The Specials and hip hop icon Busta Rhymes, have made allusions to "Here Comes the Judge" in their works, indicating its lasting cultural impact.
International Impact
Notably, the track experienced popularity far beyond the United States. In Canada, it reached the 13th position on the RPM chart.
On the Screen
Pigmeat Markham performed "Here Comes the Judge" on the popular variety program "Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In". This performance effectively brought his rowdy courtroom act to a massive national audience.
Age of Success
Markham experienced this substantial hit relatively late in his career; he was 64 at the time of the song's release.
Unusual Genre Mix
The song is an uncommon mix of funk music with comedic spoken word, further accentuating its unique status in the annals of American music.

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    Here Comes the Judge

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1968

    Billboard #19


    Album

    Here Come the Judge

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      Here Comes the Judge

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