Wacky Dust
The Manhattan Transfer
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They call it wacky dust It's from a hot cornet It gives your feet a feeling so breezy And oh, it's so easy to get They call it wacky dust It brings a dancing jag And once it starts, then only a Sap'll refuse to Big Apple or Shag Oh, I don't know just why It gets you so high Putting a buzz in you heart You'll do a marathon You'll want to go on Kickin' the ceilin' apart They call it wacky dust It's something you can't trust And in the end the rhythm will stop When it does, then you'll drop From happy, wacky dust [Repeat]
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Written by: OSCAR LEVANT, STANLEY ADAMS
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Historical Context"Wacky Dust" was first recorded in 1938 during the Swing era of Jazz when big bands ruled the music industry.
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Original ArtistThe number was first performed by Chick Webb, a gifted drummer and band leader in the Swing era, often recognized for discovering singer Ella Fitzgerald.
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Ella's ContributionElla Fitzgerald, an American jazz singer often referred to as the First Lady of Song and Lady Ella, was a member of Chick Webb's band when the song was recorded.
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InspirationThe lyrics of "Wacky Dust" are a cautionary tale about recreational drug use, specifically cocaine.
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ManierismThe term "wacky dust" is a colloquial phrase used to describe drugs, predominantly cocaine, during the early part of the 20th century.
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Songwriters"Wacky Dust" was written by acclaimed songwriter team Oscar Levant and Stanley Adams.
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Later PerformancesSuccessful vocal group The Manhattan Transfer later covered "Wacky Dust" on their 1975 album, "The Manhattan Transfer," bringing the song to a larger audience.
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Style DifferencesWhile Chick Webb and Ella Fitzgerald originally performed "Wacky Dust" as a big band tune with jazz-infused vocals, The Manhattan Transfer's version is recognized for its Doo-wop sensibility.
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Reception"Wacky Dust" is considered a classic among jazz and swing enthusiasts, known for its catchy rhythm and distinct lyrical content.
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LegacyDespite its controversial subject matter, "Wacky Dust" has remained a popular song in the jazz repertoire, having been covered by numerous artists and having appeared in multiple compilifications over the years.
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Citation
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"Wacky Dust Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/3221422/The+Manhattan+Transfer/Wacky+Dust>.
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