Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
“Zoot Suit Riot” is about a historical event commonly called The Zoot Suit Riots, a series of riots and disturbances that took place in June 1943. The violence started with American sailors attacking local pachucos – members of a formerly popular California Chicano subculture who were into swing mus...
[Verse 1]
Who's that whisperin' in the trees?
It's two sailors and they're on leave
Pipes and chains and swingin' hands
Who's your daddy? Yes, I am
[Pre-Chorus]
Fat cat came to play
Now you can't run fast enough
You'd best stay away
When the pushers come to shove
[Chorus]
Zoot suit riot (Riot)
Throw back a bottle of beer
Zoot suit riot (Riot)
A-pull a comb through your coal black hair
Zoot suit riot (Riot)
Throw back a bottle of beer
Zoot suit riot (Riot)
A-pull a comb through your coal black hair, blow, daddy!
[Verse 2]
A whipped-up jitterbuggin' brown eyed man
A stray cat frontin' up an eight-piece band
Cut me, Sammy, and you'll understand
In my veins, hot music ran
[Pre-Chorus]
You got me in a sway
And I want to swing you, dove
Now you sailors know
Where your women come for love
[Chorus]
Zoot suit riot (Riot)
Throw back a bottle of beer
Zoot suit riot (Riot)
A-pull a comb through your coal black hair
[Post-Chorus]
You're in a zoot suit riot
You're in a zoot suit riot
You're in a zoot suit riot
[Scat Breakdown]
[Pre-Chorus]
Oh, you got me in a sway
And I want to swing you, dove
Now you sailors know
Where your women come for love
[Chorus]
Zoot suit riot (Riot)
Throw back a bottle of beer
Zoot suit riot (Riot)
A-pull a comb through your coal black hair
Zoot suit riot (Riot)
Throw back a bottle of beer
Zoot suit riot (Riot)
A-pull a comb through your coal black hair
[Post-Chorus]
You're in a zoot suit riot
You're in a zoot suit riot
You're in a zoot suit riot
[Outro]
I think I'm about ready to sing it
Zoot Suit Riot was written by Steve Perry (Cherry Poppin’ Daddies).
Zoot Suit Riot was produced by Steve Perry (Cherry Poppin’ Daddies).
In an interview with Songfacts.com, Cherry Poppin' Daddies lead singer and songwriter Steve Perry explains the origin of the song:
I wrote it inspired by the Zoot Suit Riots. I guess it seemed like a Pachuco rallying cry that could double as a dance anthem for those of us interested in swing music...