3. Makin' Whoopee

Lyrics: Gus Kahn;
Music: Walter Donaldson
© 1928 Donaldson, Douglas & Gumble, Inc.
Guitar arrangement © 1986 Mike Agranoff.

Vocal and Guitar: Mike Agranoff

I learned this one mostly as a vehicle for the guitar arrangement (dropped-D tuning, capoed on 1st fret). I got the basic idea for the arrangement from Ken Bloom, who used that unexpected walking bass line. But I expanded upon Ken's arrangement to keep the bass line going under the instrumental part, and added the so-called "verse," the introduction to the song that no one ever sings. I also added the "Here Comes The Bride" intro from Lohengrin that the song mentions, but does not include. If anyone wants to try his hand at the guitar part, contact me for the tablature..

Verse:
Every time I hear that march from Lohengrin,
I am always on the outside, looking in.
Maybe that is why I see the funny side
When I see a fallen brother take a bride.
Weddings make a lot of people sad.
But when you're not the groom...it's not so bad.

1
Another bride, another June, another sunney honeymoon.
Another season, another reason for makin' whoopee

2
A lot of shoes, a lot of rice, the groom is nervous, he answers twice. It's really killing that she's so willing to make whoopee.

Bridge1
Picture a little love nest out where the roses cling.
Picture that same sweet love nest, think what a year can bring.

3 He's washing dishes and baby clothes. He's so ambitious he even sews.
But don't forget, folks, that's what you get, folks for making whoopee.

Instrumental break

4
Another year or maybe less: what's this I hear? Well can't you guess?
She feels neglected, and he's suspected of making whoopee.

5
She sits at home most every night. He doesn't phone. He doesn't write.
He says he's busy. And she says, "Is he?" He's making whoopee!

Bridge 2
He doesn't make much money. Only five thousand per.
Some judge who thinks he's funny says "You'll pay six to her!"

6
He says, "Now Judge, suppose I fail?" The judge says, "Budge right into jail.
You'd better keep her. I think it's cheaper than making Whoopee.