Louis Armstrong

Released: April 13, 1954

Featuring: Gordon Jenkins and His Orchestra

Songwriter: Harold Carr Matt Dubey

[Armstrong]
The other night, about twelve o'clock
I thought I'd go downstairs just to check the lock
When I heard something in the house
I don't mean a mouse

I swear they were spooks, spooks, spooks
I know they were spooks, spooks, spooks, spooks
I couldn't move, just stood and stared
I never was so scared

The first spook spoke and I heard him speak
He said, "What say I go make the back door squeak?"
Oh he would tease the cat and hound the pup
And raise our spirits up

Oh lordy, them spooks, spooks, spooks
Those scary old spooks, spooks, spooks, spooks
You don't have to take my word
But I heard what I heard

[Backing]
The next spook spoke, he said, "Suppose we make
The faucets drip and make the shutters shake
You let me know just what you want
This is my favourite haunt"

Beware of them spooks, spooks, spooks
Them mischevous spooks, spooks, spooks, spooks
I ain't spoofing, man I mean
That I seen what I seen

[Armstrong]
A big spook spoke, he said, "Spike, my son," he said
"I'll show you how to scare up some fun
But next time when you wail, see here
You make it loud and clear"

Watch out for them spooks, spooks, spooks
Oh them nasty old spooks, spooks, spooks, spooks
Maybe you don't think it's so
But I knew what I knew

The last spook turned to his spouse and frowned
Said, "I thought I'd told you to wait in the ground
But you look awful cute tonight
In fact, you look a fright"

[Backing]
He's talking 'bout spooks, spooks, spooks
Real genuine spooks, spooks, spooks, spooks
[Armstrong]
Oh, you stop putting up your dukes
You just can't fight with them spooks

I'm getting outta here, man
I don't dig this jive, no

[Backing]
Wait for us, wait for us, wait for us, wait for us

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.

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