Almanac Music: You Wear it Well – Songs about Clothes
Jean Harlow, 1937. [Wikimedia Commons.]
Almanac Music: You Wear it Well – Songs about Clothes
This week’s piece about key popular song themes involves songs that focus upon clothing; for example, dresses, jeans, underclothes, jumpers and such items that are normally worn on the body. What about footwear? Yes, why not? For the purpose of this piece, articles that are carried, like handbags, and items worn purely as adornment, like jewellery, are not included. So, my dear readers, please put your relevant songs in the ‘Comments’ section. The item of clothing concerned does not have to be in the song’s title, but could constitute an important part of the lyrics.
In general, if you are in doubt, include your song choice anyway – this is not an academic test!
‘These Boots Are Made for Walkin”, written by Lee Hazlewood, performed by Nancy Sinatra (1965)
From its quarter tone descending string bass line in the intro, through to the very end, ‘These Boots Are Made for Walkin” is a classy piece of work. This sassy, iconic sixties song was a massive worldwide hit for Nancy Sinatra, and appeared on her first studio album Boots.
‘You Wear it Well’, written by Rod Stewart and Martin Quittenton, performed by Rod Stewart (1972)
Fine folk-rocker, an international hit for Rod Stewart, with a great ‘You wear it well’ hook. The song is from Stewart’s best period, the early seventies, and is on his fourth solo album Never a Dull Moment. In overall production terms, ‘You Wear it Well’ also has echoes of Stewart’s earlier and even more successful ‘Maggie May’.
‘Blue Jeans’, written by Greg Macainsh, performed by Skyhooks (1976)
With country, bluegrass, barber shop quartet, and twelve-bar elements, this brief, catchy song is an unusual one in comparison with the usually heavier Skyhooks style. ‘Blue Jeans’ appeared on the band’s third studio album Straight in a Gay Gay World.
‘A Mean Pair of Jeans’, written by Aranda and Rhone, performed by Marty Rhone (1977)
This is a pop song to warm the cockles of Almanacker Mickey Randall’s heart! It’s one that calls out ‘Australia in the seventies’ in an oddly compelling voice. Ripper!
‘White Wedding Part 1’, written and performed by Billy Idol (1982)
Wikipedia notes: ‘the version released as a single is referred to as “White Wedding (Part 1)”… the longer, eight-minute track [is] known as “White Wedding (Parts 1 and 2)…’.
Regardless, this heavy rocker from Billy Idol’s self-titled studio album is certainly a notable song of its era.
‘The Lady in Red’, written and performed by Chris de Burgh (1986)
This rock ballad, a worldwide hit for British-Irish musician Chris de Burgh, tends to divide opinion between those who love and those who loathe the song. It’s from de Burgh’s eighth studio album Into the Light.
‘Dirty Jeans’, written and performed by Magic Dirt (2000)
Direct from Geelong to your part of the universe, another driving, grungy beauty from Magic Dirt, from their third studio album What Are Rock Stars Doing Today?
‘You Look Good in My Shirt’, written by Mark Nesler, Tom Shapiro and Tony Martin, performed by Keith Urban (2008: re-recorded version)
Neat, smoothly professional piece of country music from the Australasian singer-songwriter, Keith Urban, ‘You Look Good in My Shirt’ was number #1 on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 2008.
………………………………
Now, wonderful readers (and listeners) – over to you. Your responses to this topic are warmly welcomed. In the ‘Comments’ section, please add your own choice of a song (or songs) involving clothes, along with any other relevant material you wish to include.
[Note: Wikipedia has been a good general reference for this piece, particularly in relation to checking dates and other details.]
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About
Kevin Densley is a graduate of both Deakin University and The University of Melbourne. He has taught writing and literature in numerous Victorian universities and TAFES. He is a poet and writer-in-general. His fifth book-length poetry collection, Please Feed the Macaws ... I'm Feeling Too Indolent, was published in late 2023 by Ginninderra Press. He is also the co-author of ten play collections for young people, as well as a multi Green Room Award nominated play, Last Chance Gas, which was published by Currency Press. Other writing includes screenplays for educational films.
Some songs that initially come to mind are:
‘Homburg’ – Procol Harum
‘Dedicated Follower of Fashion’ – The Kinks
‘Dandy’ – The Kinks
‘Old Coat’ – Peter, Paul & Mary
‘Famous Blue Raincoat’ – Leonard Cohen
‘Handbags & Gladrags’ – Rod Stewart
‘Donald, Where’s your Trousers?’ – Andy Stewart
‘Hi-Heel Sneakers’ – Jose Feliciano (many other versions)
‘Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini’ – Brian Hyland
‘Lady Godiva’ – Peter & Gordan
And a great song that mentions wearing ‘crocs’ (probably the only song) is:
‘The Road Goes On and On’ – Robert Earl Keen.
Love Nancy Sinatra, and what about those hairdos in the clip!
Marty robbins 1957 a white sport coat and a pink carnation.
Waiting for peter crossing to come in on this one
Hi Col. Thanks for kicking off the comments section with this interesting bunch of songs.
And yes, I agree, Nancy Sinatra is wonderful, as is the stylish clip for ‘These Boots Are Made for Walkin’ – she did some fabulous work with Lee Hazlewood, as you’d know.
Thank you, Nank, for the classic Marty Robbins song. Let’s hope Peter Crossing chips in on this one.
Hi Kevin
An early morning reply:
Joe Cocker – You Can Leave Your Hat On
Right Said Fred – I’m So Sexy (Too sexy for my shirt)
Paul Kelly – Winter Coat
I’ll come back after coffee and a bit more thinking time.
cheers, Karl
Thanks, Karl. Off to a good start, anyway!
Another excellent topic KD, thanks. Look forward to following this one live from the Greenock Brewery this afternoon. Three favourites about skirts.
Short Skirt/Long Jacket – Cake (She’s touring the facility and picking up slack)
Miniskirt – The Sleepy Jackson (If I was a girl I would wear a miniskirt into town)
Pencil Skirt – Pulp (But I’ve kissed your mother twice/ And now I’m working on your dad)
PS- thanks for the Keith Urban song (surely a country singer called Urban’s a red flag right there) so that makes it a total of one by Keith I know!
Another has just come to mind:
‘Pencil Thin Mustache’ – Jimmy Buffet
Thank you, Mickey. Greenock Brewery sounds excellent – one of my great-great-great grandfathers lived in the Greenock Creek area back in the 1850s (surname Reynolds). He actually had a fatal stroke in the main street of Kapunda in 1899, while on his way on foot to have lunch with a son, Fred. But I digress…
Thanks for your songs choices, too – I’ll listen to them very soon. I try to listen to any songs chosen that I don’t already know.
Finally, I trust you read my ‘Randall reference’ in relation to ‘Mean Pair of Jeans’ – a previous Marty Rhone hit, ‘Denim and Lace’ also had a clothing connection, as you might recall.
Hi Col,
Thanks for ‘Pencil Thin Mustache’ – an enjoyable, nostalgic, honky tonk song.
Yes, I did thanks!
Between ‘A Mean Pair of Jeans’ and ‘Denim & Lace’ I reckon Marty had this specific sub-genre covered. Of course, ‘Surfing Magazines’ by The Go-Betweens wins with ‘Some good-looking people wearing Lee Cooper jeans.’
Cheers, Mickey … yes, I know the Go-Betweens song, and whenever jeans and songs are mentioned I always think of the Kris Kristofferson / Fred Foster number ‘Me and Bobby McGee’: ‘…feelin’ near as faded as my jeans…’.
Dress – PJ Harvey
I Love My Leather Jacket – The Chills
You Can Put Your Shoes Under My Bed – Paul Kelly
Satan’s Undies – Cosmic Psychos
Venus in Furs – Velvet Underground
Red Shoes by the Drugstore – Tom Waits
Sharp Dressed Man – ZZ Top
Pyjamarama – Roxy Music
Alison – Elvis Costello (“..took off her party dress”)
Aphrodisiac Jacket – The Cult
Old Brown Shoe – Beatles
Fashion – David Bowie
Million $ Hand – Hello Sailor (“…in a six dollar glove”)
Hole in My Shoe – Traffic
Bell Bottom Blues – Derek and the Dominoes
Devil with the Blue Dress On – Mitch Ryder
Blue Suede Shoes – Carl Perkins
Jennifer’s Veil – Birthday Party
Fifty Mission Cap – Tragically Hip
Baby Don’t You Tear My Clothes – Lightnin’ Hopkins
Angst in My Pants – Sparks
All Fur Coat and No Knickers – Chumbawumba
Vicar in a Tutu – Smiths
Long Tall Woman in a Black Dress – Hollies
Street Hassle – Lou Reed (“…she creamed in her jeans as she picked up her knees…”)
Tuxedo Junction – Glenn Miller
Goodbye Pork Pie Hat – Charles Mingus
Kinky Boots – Patrick Macnee + Honor Blackman
Sorry, got a bit carried away there …
Hey KD
This theme is a nice segue from Tony Mallet’s recent poem ‘Skin’.
Just for info, your opening albums – Boots & Never A Dull Moment both have Dylan covers therein.
Segueing to Dylan, here’s a few ‘on theme’ offerings:
Boots Of Spanish Leather
Leopard-skin Pill-box Hat
Man In The Long Black Coat
Cheers & thanks for this weeks theme.
Karl
Hi Peter C. Many thanks for this impressive list. It’s hard to know where to start with further comments, so I’ll simply let the songs speak – or sing – for themselves. Cheers!
Thanks, Karl. The segue from the ‘Skin’ poem occurred purely by chance, but it’s interesting, nevertheless.
Also, thank you for the Dylan connections to the theme. I think a Bob song (or two or three) would connect with most themes I could come up with.
Geez you have to get up early these days KD
Everyday Clothes – Jonathan Richman
A Shark In Jets Clothing – Blondie
Green Shirt – Elvis Costello and the Attractions
Brass Buttons – Lemonheads
Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down – Kris Kristofferson (‘cleanest dirty shirt’)
Baggy Trousers – Madness
My Perfect Cousin – Undertones (‘fur lined sheepskin jacket’)
Hip Priest – The Fall (‘clean dirty shirt’)
The Concept – Teenage Fanclub (‘she wears denim wherever she goes’)
Man In Black – Johnny Cash
Hi Swish. Thanks for these – an interesting and eclectic selection of songs. ‘Baggy Trousers’ has always been a favourite of mine, to single out one. To mention another, your inclusion of ‘Green Shirt’ reminds me how much I love early Elvis Costello. And let’s not forget ‘(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes’ in this latter context.
And yes, many responders are up and running early this Friday, which is good to see!
Long Black Veil -first recorded version Lefty Frizzell, other versions, The Band, Johnny Cash, Joan Baez and a bucket load of country, folk and pop singers.
Women in Uniform – Skyhooks
The River – Bruce Springsteen (‘and for my nineteenth birthday, I got a union card and a wedding coat’)
Aqualung – Jethro Tull (“watching as the pretty panties run”)
White Trash Wedding – The (Dixie) Chicks. “I Shouldn’t be wearing white and you can’t afford no ring”
“Twa Recruiting Sergeants” – nineteenth century Scottish folk song by “trad” or “anon” that I rather liked in the 60s
” It’s over the mountain and over the main
Through Gibraltar, tae France and tae Spain
Get a feather tae your bonnet, a kilt abin your knee
Enlist, bonnie laddie, and come awa’ wi’ me”
Pop, country, rock and traditional folk, that should give you some variety.
One final comment. Joe Cocker’s version of Leave Your Hat On is a brilliant performance but I prefer the original version by Randy Newman, it is much sleazier and sexually tormented.
Tan shoes and pink shoelaces – Dodie Stevens.
The Big Black Hat – Rolf Harris
The Little Shoe Maker – Petula Clark
White Sombrero – ABBA
She Wears Red Feathers – Guy Mitchell
Thanks, Dave – a fine array of material, including variety of genres, as well as some interesting commentary.
To select ‘Women in Uniform’ for comment – it’s probably my favourite Skyhooks song; if not, it’s right up there.
Thank you, Fisho. As usual, you’ve come up with good, interesting songs – and numbers somewhat removed from the contemporary mainstream. Nicely done!
Agree with Mr Nadel re You Can Leave Your Hat On. The non-singer trounces the singer singing that one. As does LC singing Hallelujah, compared to Tim’s boy.
Answering your latest discussion KD and pumping the Warner gig on Saturday night in Melbourne with his song, Mug’s Game. And the lines, “My jeans weren’t quite tight enough and I couldn’t do the Disco Duck, I was mugged”. We could add Strange Night by Warner in which some teenage mates knock back a few, go out for a drive and hit something, which may be an old guy staggering home from the pub. Anyway, the line linked to your theme goes like this: There was a bit of blood on my bumper, I wiped it off with my Christmas jumper.
We can’t forget Dolly and her Coat of Many Colours.
And Outfit by Jason Isbell when he was still with the Drive-Bys (who are touring next March/April and highly recommended).
Cheers
Thank you, Rick (aka Trucker). It’s always excellent to hear from you in relation to these themed topics.
I can recall exactly where I wrote this, but I often think of Dave Warner and Bob Hudson (e.g. ‘The Newcastle Song’, ‘Girls in Our Town’) as spiritual cousins – or, if you like, Bob Hudson was Dave Warner before Dave Warner was Dave Warner (and we’re not talking about the cricketer here).
2nd Par, immediately above, should read ‘I can’t recall exactly where I wrote this…’
Buttons and Bows – Bob Hope.
Hats off to Larry – Del Shannon.
Blue Velvet – Bobby Vinton.
Thanks, Fisho, for these additions. We’re really developing an excellent list of ‘songs about clothes’, with, I hope, many more to come!
Blue Ribbon Baby – Tommy Sands.
Little Miss Stuck Up (she wears the tightest skirt) The Playmates.
Harper Valley PTA (Mrs Johnson, you’re wearing your dresses too high) – Jeanie C Riley.
Hi Kevin. A few more. Good fun this.
Chantilly Lace – The Big Bopper
Lipstick on your Collar – Connie Francis
Venus in Blue Jeans – Mark Wynter
Button up your Overcoat – Ruth Etting
Top Hat, White Tie and Tails – Fred Astaire
Sixteen reasons (#8 your crazy clothes) – Connie Stevens
Walkin’ my baby back home (vest, tie) – Johnny Ray
C’est si bon (mink coats) – Eartha Kitt
They can’t take that away from me (hat) – Fred Astaire
Thanks for the memory (dress, stockings) – Bob Hope, Shirley Ross
Lumberjack Song (assorted female garments) – Mony Python
Cheers, Burkie
Thank you again, Fisho. ‘Harper Valley PTA’ has always been a particular favourite of mine. Love Jeannie C. Riley’s dry delivery in the original version, and the fabulous lyrics and tune by Tom T. Hall.
Great stuff, Burkie! It’s pleasing that you’re still able to come up with a large selection of fine quality theme-related songs at this stage of the ‘Comments’ thread. I feel that there are still many more such songs to discover, too.
Just back from a road trip to Blackheath and a couple more to add to the list.
I Love My Shirt – Donovan
The Fez – Steely Dan
Hats Off To Roy Harper (although the song has nothing to do with hats)
& BTW, has anyone listed:
Blue Suede Shoes????
Raspberry Beret?????
Note: some of these only make a brief reference to clothes of some sort, so I might be drawing a long bow in a couple of cases.
Crazy Jeans (Wizzard)
Put on your old brown shoes (Supertramp)
A man in a purple dress (The Who)
Someone else’s clothes (Ultravox)
Weekend (Eddie Cochran, The Move)
Primitive love rites (Mondo Rock)
If anybody had a heart (Crosby Stills and Nash)
Nellie takes her bow (Electric Light Orchestra)
The Pajama Game – Eddie Foy Jr
Put your shoes on Lucy – Petula Clark
Thanks again, Karl.
And you’re right – nobody until you has listed ‘Raspberry Beret’ and ‘Blue Suede Shoes’. Some songs hide in plain sight, as the saying goes.
Thanks, Liam – an interesting bunch of songs from you, as usual. To pick out one for comment, I just checked out the lyrics to ‘Primitive Love Rites’ (I do know the song) and found ‘You got the wild wild clothes’ – you must know this song in great detail!
And thanks, Fisho, for your last couple.
One last one from me & I think you’ll enjoy it – it’s very ‘on theme’ and it’s Dylan!
Clothes Line Saga:
“After a while, we took in the clothes
Nobody said very much
Just some old wild shirts and a couple pairs of pants….”
And the saga of the clothes on the clothesline goes on from there.
Thanks for ‘Clothes Line Saga’, Karl. Just had a listen to it – Dylan wrote songs about pretty much everything, didn’t he?
Isn’t Clothes Line Saga Dylan taking the piss out of Ode to Billy Joe?
Cheers
Yes, Rick – apparently ‘Clothes Line Saga’ was originally called ‘Answer to Ode’.
Eddie Cochran, Pink Peg Slacks
Glen!
Thanks, Glen. Love it!
Kevin, of course there was Gene Vincent and his Blue Caps, with ‘Blue Jean Bop’.
Glen!
Boys in Town – Divinyls “I was just a red brassiere”
Any King’s Shilling – Elvis Costello “Please don’t put your silly head in that pretty soldier’s hat” One of two excellent songs that Elvis wrote about Northern Ireland (the other being Oliver’s Army)
Breakfast at Sweethearts – Cold Chisel “She don’t smile or flirt She just wears that mini-skirt”
West Nashville Grand Ballroom Gown – Jimmy Buffett. I.have mentioned this song in another of your threads Kevin, but you can never have too much Jimmy Buffett.
A few obvious ones haven’t been mentioned yet, strangely!
My Boogie Shoes: KC and the Sunshine Band
Into temptation: Crowded House (reference to new blue dress)
Roll Over Beethoven: original by Chuck Berry, covered by multiple artists (reference to blue suede shoes).
Be Bup a Lula – Gene Vincent and the Blue caps
The Stripper – Henry Mancini and so many others over the years.
Good seeing Dave Nadel mention the (Dixie) Chicks Wedding: it’s been on play in the car recently.
In Eddie Cochran’s Jeanie, Jeanie he sings of being attired in his pink carnation, black shacks, with of course the blue suede shoes. Eddie Cochran was an inspiration to the Stray Cats.
We know in the Stray Cats classic Runaway Boys, there’s mention of throwing your clothes in a duffel bag. Far more eloquent are the lyrics from Rumble In Brighton where the ‘Rockabilly Cats are wearing black drape coats’, in contrast to the ‘ cool skin heads with their rolled up jeans’.
Glen!
Thanks, Glen, for ‘Blue Jean Bop’ – fine rockabilly!
Thank you, Dave, for your latest contributions. Love ’em – I’ll single out Costello’s ‘Any King’s Shilling’ – oh, how fabulous! Elvis C draws upon his Irish muse so effectively here!
Thanks, Liam, for your latest choices – some obvious ones don’t get chosen early on, in these themed posts. Just the way it goes. For example, you’ve mentioned a rock’n’roll classic (‘Roll Over Beethoven’) at this stage, as well as, arguably, one of Crowded House’s best songs.
Thank you again, Fisho, for your latest couple – ‘The Stripper’ would have to go down as one of the brassiest songs of all time, music perfectly suited to its subject matter!
Yes, Glen – Eddie Cochran’s influence upon The Stray Cats was something you caused to me think about when you brought up ‘Pink Peg Slacks’. It’s also interesting to reflect upon the extent to which early rock’n’roll and rockabilly culture were connected to clothing. (And not just ‘early’ rock’n’roll and rockabilly, when I reflect further about it.)
White on White – Danny Williams
My Old Man’s a Dustman – Lonny Donnegan
Flash Bang Wallop (tights all torn and his rapier drawn) Tommy Steel
Stagger Lee (you have won all my money and my brand new stetson hat) – Lloyd Price
Great, Fisho. Thanks yet again.
Another I just thought of is The Beatles’ ‘Yes It Is’: ‘If you wear red tonight / Remember what I said tonight / For red is the colour that my baby wore / And what’s more, it’s true / Yes it is …’ (first released in 1965 as the B-side to ‘Ticket To Ride’.
And another is the Beatles’ song ‘Baby’s In Black’, from the Beatles for Sale album (1964).
Just to keep the momentum going – here’s a few under the radar Dylan songs:
Lay Lady Lay – his hands are dirty, but his clothes are clean
I Want You – Now your dancing child in his Chinese suit
Bob Dylan’s Dream – Ten thousand dollars at the drop of a hat
Subterranean Homesick Blues – Don’t wear sandals, try to avoid the scandals
Mr Tambourine Man – Wait only for my boot heels to go wanderin’
It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue – The vagabond who’s rapping at your door, is standing in the clothes that you once wore
Tangled Up In Blue – I must admit I felt a little uneasy when she bent down to tie the laces of my shoe
As you well know, there would be hundreds of ‘clothes’ references in Dylan songs – and most of them are fairly unique.
If you ever want a theme that Dylan has not referenced in any song title of song lyric, let me know – I have one that I am willing to share with you!
Sweet Old fashioned Girl (who’s a frantic little boppa in sloppy socks) – Teresa Brewer.
Rag Doll – the Four Seasons.
Thanks so much, Karl for these interesting Dylan-related additions – I suppose that, fundamentally, what I mean by clothes references in this week’s piece are significant ones, like in the title or important in the lyrics. However, as I indicated in the intro to my piece, this is not an academic test, so any clothes reference you wish to include is welcome and not subject to heavy scrutiny. Cheers.
Thanks again, Fisho – the more, the merrier!
Mary Chapin Carpenter’s “This Shirt” is full of poignant memories.
Kirsty McColl’s “In These Shoes” is as witty and clever a lyric as has been written. For some reason I prefer Camille O”Sullivan’s version.
Thanks, Peter, for your two selections. The Chapin Carpenter song is simply beautiful, while the Kirsty McColl one is full of wit and sass – and I prefer the Camille O’Sullivan rendition, too.
Can’t Wait for Summer (to run around in shorts) – Steve Lawrence
In My Little Snap Shot Albumn (There’s Uncle Dick, without a care, discarding all his Underwear) – George Formby.
Cheers, Fisho.
Cardigan, Taylor Swift
All Too Well, Taylor Swift
Slut, Taylor Swift
Dress, Taylor Swift
Fearless, Taylor Swift
Love Story, Taylor Swift
and Blank Space by Tay Tay. Based on your theme KD it only barely squeezes through. However, it does reference clothes, in this instance the guy clothes, along with numerous other images to playfully and incredibly wittily turn love and lust into a game. This song is a great example of TS songwriting cred.
I could go on (at least another 20 or more) because TS uses clothes as metaphors for a range of themes and emotions, probably best exemplified in the song, All Too Well.
Cheers
Thanks for these Taylor Swift songs, Trucker – I’m a big fan of hers, too – what a phenomenal talent!
And, oh yes, how wonderful a song is ‘All Too Well’, as are so many others she has written.
One of the first Swift songs I think of in relation to the clothes theme is ‘Out of Style’: You got that long hair, slicked back, white T-shirt / And I got that good girl faith and a tight little skirt…’
And if I’m being pedantically correct about it, Swift’s song is actually called ‘Style’, not ‘Out of Style’.
The last one from me – I promise:
Diamonds On the Soles Of Her Shoes – Paul Simon
Red Shirt Day by Seaman Dan
Hi Karl. Thanks for this fine Paul Simon song – and there’s no set limit on how many times you respond to a topic. Up to you, basically. Cheers.
HI Kieran. Thank you for this pleasant, highly enjoyable song from Seaman Dan.
Hi all.
Have we had Short Shorts by the Royal Teens. On that theme Louis King does Short Short Skirts and a pony tail.
Bryan Ferry’s ode to Humphrey Bogart in 2 HB White Jacket Black Tie Wings too. And Roxy music Psalm – Try on your love like a new dress the fit and the cut and later Try on His Coat a mantle most fine.
Rolling Stones Shes a rainbow with Have you seen her dressed in blue and later Have you seen her all in gold. In Walking the dog Baby’s back dressed in black.
Soul Shoes by one of my all time faves Graham Parker and the Rumour. Gene Pitney sings Rags to Riches.
For some old school Barbara Streisand does Second Hand Rose.
Now with some apologies and little help from Gen Z daughter Justin Bieber Yellow Raincoat – Harry Styles in Little Freak asks Did you dress up for Halloween and reference to Track suit and pony tail – and of course Ed Sheeran in Photograph who implores to Keep me in the inside of your pocket of your ripped jeans.
Tracing back to Dave Warner can’t exclude his Too straight for the hips and Too hip for the straights. Magic.
Trust I haven’t overlapped too much and thanks for the challenge. Frank.
Thanks, Frank, you’ve risen to this week’s thematic ‘challenge’ exceptionally well with your wide range of interesting song choices.
Hi Kevin, have you asked for suggestions for songs about boats or ships ? If not, here’s a few to kick things off.
Shrimp Boats – Jo Stafford
When the Boat Comes In (theme from the TV series of the same name) – Bob Fox.
Little Red Rented Row Boat – Joe Dowell
Proud Mary – Tina Turner or Creedence.
Little Goodbye – Roger Whittaker
The Roving Kind – Guy Mitchell
Beyond the Sea – Bobby Darin
Hi. Haven’t disrobed yet. Further contributions in lyric form only. The astute punter should be able to identify source.
Walk a mile in my shoes.
Here’s a man in evening clothes dancin with the chick in slacks.
Take the ribbon from your hair.
I’ve got a hole in my pocket and can’t go to the fair.
Loneliness is the cloak you wear.
In your bobby sox and your real tight sweater.
You think my shoes are made of leather. My fine linen suit is really made out of sack.
I wear zoot suit jacket with side vents five inches wide.
I got brass in pocket.
But there’s no place here for the mini skirt waddle.
And on the beach you’ll see the girls in their bikinis as cute as ever but never get them wet.
Little Egypt came out Strutting wearing nuthin but a button and a bow.
And finishing off with
That’s why I hang my hat in Tennessee.
Regards. Frank.
Hi Fisho. Thank you – but let’s reserve these songs about boats and ships for another separate Almanac piece.It would get too confusing otherwise. Cheers, KD
Hi Frank.Thanks. I’ll open up your latest Almanac list to the Almanac readership
A couple of Aussie contributions:
Cosby Sweater – Hilltop Hoods
You’re Not Naked – Broderick Smith: ‘you may look cute in your birthday suit/you’re not naked/it’s like invisible clothes hanging off your frame/you’re not naked
Well, there’s a George Strait song in there (and a ripper at that).
Nat King Cole’s Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer, which is a blast back to growing up remembering my old man singing it around the house.
Little Elvis and The Who as well.
However, the main man, Sam Cooke dancing the night away with chicks in slacks get the gold medal for voice and cool.
Adding to Trucker Slim’s identification of songs.
Walk a mile in My Shoes is Joe South
Take the Ribbon from your hair is from Kris Kristofferson’s Help Me Make it Through the Night
Loneliness is a cloak you wear is from The Sun ain’t gonna shine anymore by the Walker Brothers.
Thanks, Karl, for these two Oz additions – two good ones. I especially like the Brod Smith number, and love the title of the album it’s from – Too Easy.
Thanks, Trucker and Dave for the song identifications.
Off David Bowie’s debut 1967 album there is a lovely folky number:
Sell Me A Coat
The you tube video is well worth watching. It’s hard to imagine that 2 years later he’d be blasting into a Space Oddity.
Thanks, Karl. I’ll certainly check the Bowie song out.
“Girls on the Avenue”, by Richard Clapton (“Casting out sighs like tricks from a hat”)
“American Pie”, by Don McLean (lyrics, “You both kicked off your shoes”)
“Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright), by Rod Stewart. In the lyrics, ‘Kick off your shoes and sit right down” and “Loosen off that pretty French gown.”
Not sure how the lyrics for the whole song were allowed back in 1975-76.
Thank you, Anon, for your latest three song choices.
“It’s beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”, by Michael Bublé (“A pair of Hopalong boots and a pistol that shoots”)
New York, New York by Frank Sinatra (“These vagabond shoes”)
“That’s the Thing About Football”, by Greg Champion (“I got my scarf, got my old coat”j
“The Football Song”, by the Fable Singers (“Grab your coat and your rug and your thermos and mug”). This song was on the B-side of the record to all of the 12 clubs’ VFL theme songs in the early 1970s.
“Any Dream Will Do”, by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jason Donovan. Lyrics, “I wore my coat (I wore my coat), with golden lining (ah-ah-ah) and “My golden coat flew out f sight.”
“Georgy Girl”, by The Seekers (“Could it be you just don’t try or is it the clothes you wear?”)
“Williams the Shoemen” television commercial jingle, 1980s.
Many thanks, Anon – you’ve brought us to the ninety mark.
Onwards towards another ton!
“This goes with that at Sussans” television advertisement jingle, for women’s clothing.
Yep, another one for the ‘scorebook’. Thanks, Anon.
“It’s Gotta Be Bonds” television advertisement jingle, for men’s clothing.
OK, Anon, looks like we’re approaching the ton in singles! Fair enough!
“Slip, Slop, Slap” television advertisement jingle (“Slip on a Shirt, Slap on a Hat”)
Cheers, Anon – your latest jingle was very big back in the day (as most of us would know, I suppose).
“Footloose”, by Kenny Loggins (“Kick off the Sunday shoes”)
“Nights in White Satin”, by The Moody Blues
“Beauty School Dropout” (from Grease), by Frank Avalon (“Can’t even get a trade in on your smock” and “To wash and clean your clothes up”).
Another great century from the Almanac Music Readers team. I was batting at number 11 this innings, so I had to get singles to get off strike, while making sure that I wasn’t “run out” (of songs about clothes).
Excellent, Anon – you’ve been a revelation batting at Number 11! Great knock!
“Mr Bojangles”, by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (“I knew a Man Bojangles and he danced for you in worn out shoes.
With silver hair, a ragged shirt and baggy pants, The old soft shoe” and “He grabbed his pants for a better stance. He clicked his heels. Shook back his clothes all round”).
Yep – another beauty. Thanks, A.
“Dark Town Strutters Ball, by Ted Mulry Gang (“I’m gonna dance out of my shoes”)
Yep, thanks Anon – and ‘Dark Town Strutters’ Ball’ is a much-covered song with a very long history, going back to 1917, as you may know.
“My Favourite Things”, by Julie Andrews (“Bright copper kettles and warm woollen mittens” and “Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes”)
Thanks, A, for you latest ‘song about clothes’.
“Monster Mash”, by Bobby Pickett
“The zombies were having fun (tennis shoe, wa hoo)
The party had just begun (tennis shoe, wa hoo)”
Cheers, Anon – good pickup there!
“Scenes From an Italian Restaurant”, by Billy Joel (‘Engineer boots, leather jackets and tight blue jeans”)
Another good selection, A – thank you.
“Tiny Dancer”, by Elton John (“Blue jean baby, L.A. lady, seamstress for the band”)
Love this latest song selection, Anon, and also love its context in the film ‘Almost Famous’. Thanks so much.
“You’re Movin’ Out Today”, by Carole Bayer Sager (“Your old tie-dyes away”) and ( “Pack all your clothes away.”)
‘You’re Movin’ Out Today’ is an old favourite of mine – I even bought the sheet music (now there’s an old-fashioned sounding term) when I was a teenager!
“Brown Girl in the Ring”, by Boney M (“Got nowhere to wash my cloths”). Cloths is pronounced as clothes in the lyrics video for this song on YouTube.
With Anon keeping this thread going I thought I should throw in maybe the coolest suggestion yet. It’s from Beyonce’s latest album (which is stunning by the way):
Levii’s Jeans – check it out
Thanks, Anon.
And thank you, Rick, for the new Beyonce song – I’ll give it a listen. I do like Queen Bee!
“Jake the Peg”, by Rolf Harris (“They used to roll my trousers up and use me for the wicket”) and (“By getting my shoes and socks off, I could count to twenty four.”)
“Knock Knock Who’s There”, by Mary Hopkin (“Take off your coat and come inside.”)
Thanks, Anon, for these most recent songs.
“Another Day”, by Paul McCartney (“Stepping into stockings, stepping into shoes. Dipping into the pocket of her raincoat”)
“Eleanor Rigby”, by The Beatles (“Darning his socks in the night”)
Thanks yet again, A. Love the Beatles connection to these two!
“Little Red Riding Hood”, by Sam the Sham and the Pharoahs. Of course, she is called Little Red Riding Hood in the song, after the red hooded cape that she wears.
“Jeans On”, by David Dundas
“Forever in Blue Jeans”, by Neil Diamond
A very good three, there – thanks, Anon.
“Where Do You Go To My Lovely?”, by Peter Sarstedt (“Your clothes are all made by Balmain.”)
“Manic Monday”, by The Bangles (“Cause it takes me so long just to figure out what I’m gonna wear”)
Excellent song, written by Prince, of course.
Thanks, Anon.
“When I’m sixty-four”, by The Beatles (“You can knit a sweater by the fireside.”)
“Copacabana”, by Barry Manilow (“With yellow feathers in her hair and a dress cut down to there”) and (“Still in dress she used to wear.”)
“Sherry”, by Four Seasons (“With your red dress on”)
“I’m Too Sexy”, (1991), by Right Said Fred (“I’m too sexy for my shirt”) and (I’m too sexy for my hat”)
“Pretty Flamingo”, by Manfred Mann (“Crimson dress that clings so tight”)
Five fine additions to the theme – thank you, A.
“Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)”, by Edison Lighthouse (“Her clothes are kinda funny.”)
Another good one, Anon. Ta!
“A Little Ray of Sunshine”, by Axiom (“We”ll show her the dress that she’ll wear.”)
“Penny Arcade”, by Roy Orbison (“But no, so dipping my hand in the back of my jeans, I grabbed a handful of coins to feed the machine.”)
Thanks for these latest two, A – love ‘Penny Arcade’, especially.
“Scarborough Fair”, by Simon and Garfunkel (“Tell her to make me a Cambric shirt.”)
Thank you again, Anon – your latest includes a particularly well-known clothing reference.
“The Boxer”, by Simon and Garfunkel (“Then I’m laying out my winter clothes”)
Classic song there, Anon! Thanks.
“Ego (Is Not a Dirty Word)”, by Skyhooks (“You might not care the way you dressed.”)
“Surfin’ U.S.A.”, by The Beach Boys (“You’d see them wearing their baggies, Huarache sandals too”)
“Stayin’ Alive”, by The Gees (“Got the wings of heaven on my shoes”)
“California Girls”, by The Beach Boys (“Well, East Coast girls are hip, I really dig the styles they wear”) and (“I dig a French bikini on Hawaii Island Dolls.”)
Congratulations to the Almanac Music Readers for bringing up another 150, their 4th 150 of the season.
Thank, Anon, for these three – and for bringing up the 150. Very well done to all involved!
Thanks also, A, for ‘Ego is Not a Dirty Word’, which I previously missed.
“Roxanne”, by The Police (“You don’t have to wear that dress tonight.”)
“Come on Eileen”, by Dexys Midnight Runners (“You in that dress, oh my thoughts I confess”) and (“That pretty dress, oh Eileen tell him yes”)
Two more fine songs for this list. Thanks, Anon.
“Boney Moroney”, by Larry Williams (“Ought to see her rock and roll with her blue jeans on”)
“Just The Way You Are”, by Billy Joel (“Don’t go trying some new fashion.”)
“Crocodile Rock”, by Elton John (“When Susie wore her dresses tight”) and (“Dreaming of my Chevy and my old blue jeans”)
“Coward Of The County”, by Kenny Rogers (“The torn dress, the shattered look was more than he could stand”)
Neat bunch of ‘clothes songs’ there – thanks Anon.
“MacArthur Park”, by Donna Summer (‘I recall the cotton dress”)
“Let’s Dance”, by David Bowie (“Put on your red shoes and dance the blues.”)
“Ground Control to Major Tom”, by David Bowie (“And the papers want to know whose shirts you wear”)
Three really fine songs – thanks for your latest selections, Anon.
“American Pie”, by Don McLean (“You both kicked off your shoes.”)
An all-time favourite of mine, ‘American Pie’ – thank you, Anon.
“Let’s Hear It for the Boy”, by Deniece Williams” (“And maybe he don’t dress fine”)
Good one, Anon – thank you.
“Dancing in the Dark”, by Bruce Springsteen (“I wanna change my clothes, my hair, my face.”)
“Blinded by the Light”, by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band (“As the adolescent pumps his way into his hat”) I know this lyric sounds very bad, but Bruce Springsteen, who originally sang this song, hasn’t really explained properly what this lyric really means, so as hat is mentioned in the lyrics, we can only give the benefit of the doubt.
Thanks for the Springsteen material, Anon – Bruce is always most welcome.
“Sing! (And Tell the Blues So Long)”, by Johnny O’Keefe (“When your best friend steals your clothes from you”)
Always good to get something recorded by ‘The Wild One’ – thanks, Anon.
“Love Really Hurts Without You”, by Billy Ocean (“You painted a smile and you dress all the while to excite me.”)
“Single Bed”, by Noosa Fox (“Your sh-sh-shoes, shake ‘em off)
Thanks again, Anon. (By the way, there should be a new song theme from me on the Footy Almanac next Friday – I try for one a fortnight, but missed the boat as far as yesterday – April 26 – is concerned.)
“Macho Man”, by Village People (“His western shirts and leather, always look so boss.”)
“No Secrets”, by The Angels (“She walks like a pharaoh, dresses in day-glo.”) and (“Then she slips off her stockings and shoes.”)
“King Of The Road”, by Roger Miller (“Old, worn out suit and shoes”)
Cheers, Anon – just acknowledging these – thank you.
“I Say A Little Prayer”, by Dionne Warwick “And wondering what dress to wear, now (wear, now)”
Thanks, A – good song.
“Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting”, by Elton John (“My sister looks cute in her braces and boots.”)
Good old rocker from EJ – thanks, Anon.
“Boppin the Blues”, by Blackfeather (“Get off your shoes, get yourself high-igh”)
“Have You Never Been Mellow”, by Olivia Newton-John”, (“Never had time to lay back, kick your shoes off, close your eyes”)
“Just Like A Woman”, by Bob Dylan (“Everybody knows that baby’s got new clothes.”)
Good variety in your latest trio, Anon. Thanks.
“Freedom”, by George Michael (‘Brand new clothes and a big fat place”) and (“Simetimes the clothes do not make the man”)
Thanks for ‘Freedom’, Anon.
“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”, by The Rolling Stones (“And a man comes on and tells me how white my shirts can be”)
“Call Me”, by Blondie (“Dress me in the fashions of the 1980’s.”)
“Sad Lisa’, by Cat Stevens (“She hangs her head and cries on my shirt.”)
“Wild World”, by Cat Stevens (“I hope you have a lot of nice things to wear.”)
“Oh Very Young”, by Cat Stevens (“They will vanish away like your dad’s best jeans.”)
Thanks for these latest ones, Anon. You have been busy.
There will be a new song theme this Friday – I know for certain, as I’ve already submitted it.
“Good Vibrations”, by The Beach Boys (“I-I love the colourful clothes she wears.”)
“Blank Space”, by Taylor Swift (“New money, suit and tie”)
“You Belong With Me”, by Taylor Swift (“She wears short skirts. I wear T-shirts.”), (“Walk in the streets with you in your worn-out jeans.”) and (She wears high heels. I wear sneakers.”)
“Tim McGraw”, by Taylor Swift (“I hope you think that little black dress.”) and (“My old faded jeans”)
“The House Of The Rising Sun”, by The Animals (‘Mother was a tailor, yeah, yeah. Sewed my Levi jeans.”)
Congratulations to the Almanac Music Readers for reaching another double century, our third for the season!
Great stuff, Anon – congrats to all contributors in terms of us reaching the double ton!
“New York Minute”, by Eagles (‘Harry got dressed up all in black.”) and (“They found his clothing scattered somewhere down the track.”)
Thank you, Anon, for ‘New York Minute’.
“Vincent”, by Don McLean (“The ragged men in ragged clothes”)
“It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me”, by Billy Joel (“What’s the matter with the clothes you’re wearing? Can’t you tell that your tie’s too wide? Maybe I should buy some old tab collars?”), (“You can’t dress trashy ‘til you spend a lot of money.”), (“How about a pair of pink sidewinders and a bright orange pair of pants?”) and (“You get more mileage from a new pair of sneakers.”)
Thanks for your latest song choices, Anon – two fine songs there!
“Evie”, by Stevie Wright (“Come on, girl, just get on your shoes, we’re gonna hear some sounds.”)
Two which I don’t think have been mentioned:
Black Velvet Band (tradtional Irish) multiple versions.
When a Girl Changes fro Bobby Sox to Stockings – Frankie Avalon
“You’re So Vain”, by Carly Simon (“Your hat strategically dipped below one eye, your scarf it was apricot.”)
“Spinning Around”, by Kylie Minogue (“Threw away my old clothes, got myself a better wardrobe.”)
Thank you, Anon and Peter F, for your latest contributions to this clothes-related theme.
“Under the Boardwalk”, by The Drifters (“And your shoes get so hot you wish your tired feet were fireproof”)
“Piano Man”, by Billy Joel (“But it’s sad, and it’s sweet, and I knew it complete when I wore a younger man’s clothes”)
“Walking in Memphis”, by Marc Cohn (“Put on my blue suede shoes and I boarded the plane.”)