Louis Armstrong

Songwriter: Frank Loesser

Now look here don't be singin' that pretty music for me
I've learned my lesson and I ain't ready to go yet
Let me tell you all about it

I dreamed last night I got on the boat to Heaven
And by some chance I had brought my dice along
And there I stood, and I hollered, "Someone fade me"
But the passengers they knew right from wrong

For the people all said
"Sit down, sit down you're rockin' the boat"
And the people all said
"Sit down, sit down you're rockin' the boat"

"And the devil will drag you under
By the sharp lapel of your checkered coat
Sit down, sit down
Sit down you're rocking the boat"

Now I sailed away on that little boat to Heaven
And by some chance found a bottle in my fist
And there I stood nicely passin' out the whiskey
But the passengers were bound to resist

For the people all said
"Beware, you are on a heavenly trip"
People all said
"Beware, beware you'll scuttle the ship"

"And the devil will drag you under
By the fancy tie 'round your wicked throat
Sit down, sit down
Sit down you're rockin' the boat"

Now as I laughed at those passengers to Heaven
A great big wave came and washed me overboard
And as I sank, and I hollered, "Someone save me"
That's the moment I woke up, thank the Lord

And I said to myself
"Sit down, sit down you're rockin' the boat"
I said to myself
"Sit down, sit down you're rockin' the boat"

"And the devil will drag you under
With a soul so heavy you'd never float
Sit down, sit down
Sit down you're rockin' the boat"
Sit down you're rockin' the boat

Sit down you're rockin' the boat
And I ain't gonna rock it no more

Louis Armstrong, known throughout his lengthy career by nicknames like “Satchmo”, “Pops” and simply “Louie”, was a trumpeter, composer, singer and occasional actor, as well as one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz.

Born and raised in New Orleans, where jazz itself is alleged to have began, Armstrong started his career in 1918, playing the cornet in brass bands and riverboats along the Mississippi River. There, he caught the attention of his future mentor, King Oliver, joining his band in Chicago, where he networked with other popular jazz musicians like Hoagy Carmichael and his first wife Lil Hardin Armstrong.

In 1924, Louie relocated to New York City playing for the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra. It was at this time he switched over from cornet to trumpet in order to blend in better with the other musicians in his section. It was also when he developed his emotional playing style, which included singing and telling tales of his life back in New Orleans.

more tracks from the album

Louis and the Good Book

From the album

Louis and the Good Book (1958)

Louis Armstrong popular songs

Sit Down, You’re Rocking The BoatLouis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong

Louis and the Good Book