Swing republic biography examples

1932 Bahamian song

Mama Don't Want No Peas an' Rice an' Cocoanut Oil is a 1932 song of Bahamian origin, first recorded by Mart Britt and his Orchestra, but most famous in the version by Count Basie.

The lyrics describe a woman who is a habitual drinker.^[1] The song has become a jazz standard.

Background and lyrics

The song originates from Nassau, Bahamas, where it was sung at jumping dance and fire dance ceremonies.^[2][1] It describes a woman, "mama", who prefers drinking brandy and rum over peas, rice, coconut oil, whiskey or gin - "because it makes her sin." She complains about "a pain in her chest, because the food papa gives her won't digest." The song was first recorded in 1932 by Mart Britt and his Orchestra.

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Count Basie

Count Basie and His Orchestra recorded the song for Decca Records on 6 June 1938,^[2] with lyrics provided by Louis Wolfe Gilbert and L. Cha