(Mix the Lot – What Have You Got?)
A popular song from 1927
Words and music by B. G. De Sylva, Lew Brown and Ray Henderson
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- Lovey Joe, a boy I know
Who has good taste in gals
Was speaking of his lady love
And raving to his pals
He said, “She’s called Magnolia
She’ll ruin any man
Now I just can’t describe her
But I’ll do the best I can”
Chorus
Take some honey from a bee
Mix it up with T. N. T.
And what have you got, Magnolia
Clara Bow ain’t she “delish”
Season her with Lillian Gish
And what have you got, Magnolia
Listen pal, describin’ that gal is tryin’
When I’m done, it’s twenty to one
You’ll say I’m lyin’
Take Cleopatra and Camille
Add some more sex appeal
Mix the lot
What have you got, Magnolia
- Lovey Joe was all aglow
To get that off his chest
The boys agreed the gal had speed
And said, “Let’s hear the rest”
Said Joe, “I really hate to
I’d make you feel too bad
But while I’m on the subject
There’s a few words I might add”
Chorus
Take some fragrance from the rose
Dress it up with Flapper clothes
And what have you got, Magnolia
Picture teeth as white as pearls
Add a bunch of golden curls
And what have you got, Magnolia
Boys all sigh when she passes by
She thrills ’em
Her silk hose are cheap, I suppose
But how she fills ’em
Take Sheba’s smile, Salome’s hips
Pickford’s eyes, Swanson’s lips
Mix the lot
What have you got, Magnolia
Extra choruses from 1927 78rpm records
Chorus 2 (from Harry Richman)
Take some mink and sable fur, add what gentlemen prefer.
And what have you got? Magnolia.
Venus had a lot of charms, well add those necessary arms.
And what have you got? Magnolia.
You know vamps, each season they grow more sporty.
Well close your eyes and picture the prize of 1940.
Then take the fairest of the fair
Add the answer to a bachelor’s prayer.
Mix the lot. And what have you got? Magnolia.
Chorus 4 (from Johnny Marvin & Dolly Kay)
Take your beauties far and near, add some follies atmosphere;
And what have you got? Magnolia.
Julie Goetz and Lula Belle, take ‘em both and shake ‘em well.
And what have you got? Magnolia.
Vamps, you know, each season they grow more sporty.
Just close your eyes and picture the prize of 1940.
Take mother Eve in her cute dress; think of that, picture less.
Mix the lot. And what have you got? Magnolia.
Sung here by Laurence Rubenstein: