Guitar chord forum - chordie — what song is this?

Re: what song is this?

null@example.com (Grah1) — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 08:24:33 +0000

I remeber this well . I think it was a clever play fitting the different states into the song

Re: what song is this?

null@example.com (Phill Williams) — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 10:34:15 +0000

Thanks for that info and the words. I think they call it an ear worm when you remember a tune or song but only bits and it just won't go away. This song is so clever even as a novelty song and there were lots of those in the 50s and 60s. I thought it was earlier than 1960, I know I was still a kid 10years old in 1960 so still technically a kid, I still am in many ways...Peter Pan? Not quite.

Re: what song is this?

null@example.com (TIGLJK) — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 20:07:25 +0000

"Oh, what did Delaware, boy? What did Delaware?"
"She wore a brand New Jersey."
"Why did California?"
"She called to say Hawaii (How are ya?)."
"What did Mississip?"
"She sipped a Minnesota (mini soda)."
"Where has Oregon?"
"If you want Alaska, I'll ask her where she's gone."
"She went to pay her Texas (taxes)."
"How did Wisconsin?"
"She stole a Nebras-ky (new brass key)."
"Too bad that Arkan-saw..."
"...and so did Tenne-see."
"It made poor Flori-die..."
"She died in Misery (Missouri).

Re: what song is this?

null@example.com (TIGLJK) — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 20:06:25 +0000

The song is "Delaware", written by Irving Gordon and made famous by Perry Como in 1960. It became a novelty hit, reaching the Top 25 in the U.S. and even higher in the UK

what song is this?

null@example.com (Phill Williams) — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 18:42:18 +0000

I remember hearing this song way back in the 50's, I can recall a few lines and that it mentions some or all of Americas states. I think the first line goes; "what did Delaware boy, also Why did California, yes it's all a play on words as in what did Della wear and why did Cali phone ya?
I don't need it for anything, I'm just curious. Thanks