Reefer Songs

DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #107: The Spinach Song

19.03.2012 by Chris

American (dirty) blues singer and pianist Julia Lee (Oct. 31, 1902 – Dec. 8, 1958) was best known for her double entendre songs, “the songs my mother taught me not to sing,” as she stated herself.

She began to record for Capitol in 1944. Along with local players from Kansas City, she played on some sessions with Jay McShann, Vic Dickenson, Benny Carter, Red Norvo and Red Nichols.

In 1949, she landed a major hit with a song about vegetables – at first sight…!

I Didn't Like It the First Time (The Spinach Song)

Now, let's have a look at the lyrics:

Spinach has vitamin A, B and D, but spinach never appealed to me
But one day while having dinner with a guy, I decided to give it a try

I didn't like it the first time, it was so new to me
I didn't like it the first time, I was so young, you see
I used to run away from the stuff, but now somehow I can't get enough
I didn't like it the first time, oh, how it grew on me!

I didn't like it the first time, I had it on a date
Although the first was the worst time, right now I think it's great
Somehow, it's always hittin' the spot, especially when they bring it in hot
I didn't like it the first time, but oh, how it grew on me

Drugs? Sex?

It's obvious, that Julia Lee doesn't sing about spinach.

In the 1920s and 1930s, “spinach” was a very common slang word for marijuana. So, we can assume it's a song about smoking pot.

Although, when I was doing some research, I found statements from people who believe, that Lee is singing about sex.

Since we can find the song on many “Reefer” compilations (collections of vintage drug songs), I suppose the song is rather about drugs than sex.

[easyazon-image align=”left” asin=”B000S54VQ6″ locale=”us” height=”160″ src=”https://shuffleprojects.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Julia-Lee-The-Spinach-Song.jpg” width=”160″]Title: [easyazon-link asin=”B000S4OKV8″ locale=”us”]I Didn't Like It the First Time (The Spinach Song)[/easyazon-link]
Artist: Julia Lee & Her Boy Friends
Recorded: 1949
Tempo: 159 bpm
Dance: Lindy Hop

Click the link to download the song at
iTunes CH/EU ･ iTunes US ･ [easyazon-link asin=”B006RI2BEW” locale=”de”]Amazon.de[/easyazon-link] ･ [easyazon-link asin=”B000S4OKV8″ locale=”us”]A'zon.com[/easyazon-link] ･ [easyazon-link asin=”B006QXPSAW” locale=”uk”]A'zon.co.uk[/easyazon-link] ･ eMusic

What do you think? Is it a song about drugs or about sex? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

Every Monday, I post a new “Song of the Week“.
You can find the songs also on my Spotify playlist or on 8tracks.

DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #77: A Viper’s Moan

22.08.2011 by Chris

Willie Bryant (30.08.1908-09.02.1964), born in New Orleans, grew up in Chicago where he tried to learn trumpet, with little success. In 1926 he made his first steps in show business as a dancer in the Whitman Sister's Show.

For several years, he performed in vaudeville and in 1934 he appeared as a singer with Bessie Smith in the show Chocolate Revue.

In late 1934, Willie Bryant formed his big band and from 1935-1938, they had six recording sessions. Among his sidemen were at times: Ted Wilson (piano), Cozy Cole (drums), Johnny Russell (tenor sax), Benny Carter (trumpet), Ben Webster (tenor sax), Eddie Durham (trombone, arrangements), Ram Ramirez (piano) and Taft Jordan (trumpet, vocals). Bryant sang on 18 of the 26 recorded sides.

After breaking up the big band, Bryant became an actor, MC and DJ.

In 1945 he recorded as R&B singer, from 1946-1948 he led another big band and recorded two numbers. In 1949 he hosted an all-black television variety show and in the 1950's be was best known as regular MC at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem.

A Viper's Moan

A Viper's Moan was written by Willie Bryant and is a laid-back tune. The rhythm section with piano, guitar and drums (with percussion elements) is solid swinging while the horn section almost is whimpering (or moaning, as the title says).

Some of the solos are played in a typical call and response concept. Bryant himself is talking – not singing – throughout the song, and one time he is also introducing the soloists.

For the non-native English speakers: A viper is in American English another word for marijuana smoker… I guess, the song's title and sound picture makes sense now 🙂

A great song for Lindy Hop dancers and for Balboa beginner classes. I love it!

Title: A Viper's Moan
Artist: Willie Bryant
Recorded: January 4, 1935
Album: The Complete Jazz Series 1935-1937
Tempo: 150 bpm
Dance: Lindy Hop, Balboa

Click the link to downoad the song at
iTunes CH/EU ･ iTunes US ･ Amazon.de ･ A'zon.com ･ [easyazon-link asin=”B001MT2NXK” locale=”uk”]A'zon.co.uk[/easyazon-link] ･ eMusic

Do you like this song? Do you like the series? Please leave a comment!

Every Monday, I post a new “Song of the Week“.
You can find the songs also on my Spotify playlist or on 8tracks.

If you are interested in swing DJ’ing or just in regular music tips
then sign up for the brandnew DJ Chrisbe's resources emails!

DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #51: Jack, I’m Mellow

21.02.2011 by Chris

Since music has been recorded, there were always songs about drug consumption and its influence.

Jack, I'm Mellow

This song is a great example. Read the lyrics:

I’m so high and so dry,
I’m sailin’ in the sky,
Just smoke some gage,
Come around babe,
Jack, I’m mellow.

I’m so high and so dry,
I’m way up in the sky,
The world seems light
And I’m so right,
Jack, I’m mellow.

I’m going to put my nickel in a slot machine
And play my solid sender,
I’m going to strut, peck and Suzie-Q,
Have alone a bender,

I’m so high and so dry,
I’m sailin’ in the sky,
I got my roach around
And I can’t come down,
Jack, I’m mellow.

I’m so high and so dry,
I’m sailin’ in the sky,
Just smoke some gage,
Come around babe,
Jack, I’m mellow.

I’m so high and so dry,
I’m way up in the sky,
The world seems light
And I’m so right,
Jack, I’m mellow.

Trixie Smith was born in 1895 in Atlanta and move to New York in 1915 where she performed on the traveling African American vaudeville circuit.

She made her first recordings for Black Swan in 1922 after winning a prestigious blues singing contest at the Manhattan Casino in New York.

Smith didn't record after 1925 until 1938, when she headed an all-star jazz group including Sidney Bechet and others on one recording session.

But she continued to perform in musical revues, on Broadway and in several films. She died in 1943.

Title: Jack I'm Mellow
Artist: Trixie Smith & Her Syncopators
Recorded: 1938
Tempo: 200 bpm
Dance: Balboa, Lindy Hop

Click the link to download the song from: Amazon ･ iTunes

You can find the songs of the series also on my Spotify playlist. Official hashtag of the series: #djcsotw

Do you like the “Song of the Week” series? Share your thoughts below.

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DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #2: When I Get Low I Get High

15.03.2010 by Chris

Somewhen in autumn 2006, I signed up for myspace (anyone remember?), it was my first step into social networks.

Right from the beginning, I got tons of invitations by musicians and bands to listen to their music and become friends.

It was great! It was an amazing source to discover new and independent bands.

When I Get Low I Get High

After a short while browsing, I heard this version of the song “When I Get Low I Get High” and I loved it from the very first moment.

On the one hand because of the New Orleans sound, and on the other hand because of Linnzi Zaorski‘s distinctive voice: She sings some notes out of tune on purpose which gives that song an unique flavour.

Since then, this tune is like my business card as a DJ. More often than not, I start my set with it and I'm immediately in possession of the crowd :-)!

Title: When I Get Low I Get High
Artist: Linnzi Zaorski & Delta Royale
Released: 2004
Tempo: 164 bpm
Dance: Lindy Hop

Click the link to download the song from: Louisiana Music Factory

You can find the songs of the series also on my Spotify playlist.
Official hashtag of the series: #djcsotw

Do you like Linnzi's voice? Share your thoughts below.

Now Check Out

DJ Chrisbe's Song of the Week #1: All The Cats Join In