[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A 1924 popular song
Words by Jack Yellen
Music by Milton Ager
Sheet music provided by Laurence Rubenstein:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. Step aside, you Romeos
You Lovin’ Sams and you Lovey Joes
I’ve just found a lovin’ hound
Who’s got you cheated, you’d better beat it
Gather ’round, you Juliets
You choc’late browns and you pale brunettes
And meet the latest
The very greatest of men who love
Chorus:
There he goes! just look at the clothes
On Big Boy, that’s Big Boy
There’s a man who certainly can make love
All the ladies crave him
Six feet tall, no wonder they fall
For Big Boy, sweet Big Boy
He’s just the type a gal respects
He’s the strongest weakness of the weaker sex
See that strut – ’tain’t nuthin’ else but
That Big Boy, That’s Big Boy
Great big smile worth goin’ a mile to see
Let me tell you outside he is big and athletic
Inside, gee! he’s so sympathetic
That’s why the women all cry for Big Boy
2. High-toned gals with ostrich plumes
And big fur coats and those sweet perfumes
Telephone Big Boy at home
Invite him over, that boy’s in clover
Chambermaids who slave all week
Buy shirts and socks for this darktown sheik
And Widow Brady, a perfect lady
Buys all his ties
Chorus:
There he goes! just look at the clothes
On Big Boy, that’s Big Boy
There’s a man who certainly can make love
He’s a mean sweet Daddy
Women weep and talk in their sleep
‘Bout Big Boy, Sweet Big Boy
They love his eyes and curly hair
He’s the answer to a cullud maiden’s pray’r
See that chest and look at the rest
Of Big Boy! That’s Big Boy
Big or small, they certainly fall for him
And they say that since he kissed the old Widow Johnson
She thinks she’s a Gloria Swanson
That’s why the women all cry for Big Boy
Sung here by Fred Feild: