When The Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along

Album: Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder (1949)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • According to Don Tyler in American Popular Music of the Pre-Rock Era, "When The Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along" written by Harry Woods was first introduced by Sophie Tucker but was popularized by Al Jolson, and featured in the 1949 film Jolson Sings Again, and in the 1994 film Bullets Over Broadway.

    In 1953, Doris Day had a top thirty hit with it. Her version is probably the best rendition of this feel good song, even though Jolson's version reached #1 on the Billboard Chart of the day. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England

Comments: 4

  • Sheila Smith from HoustonHere is your spring song
  • AnonymousI love this song, just suddenly started singing it, as I heard it when I was young. How cheerful and happy is this song! I enjoy it very much. Al Jolson was really a great person. He went through a lot in his life. I see it was written by Harry Woods. Frank Sinatra and Doris Day sang it also and many more.
  • Jt from Philadelphia This song is about masturbation. The language, imagery, and throbbing melody play this out rather clearly. Once you have the idea—although still a cute song—the innuendo is not very subtle after all, Sleepyheads.
  • Rich from Portsmouth, NhThis is a great 'wake-up' song!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)Songwriter Interviews

Steve Cropper on the making of "In the Midnight Hour," the chicken-wire scene in The Blues Brothers, and his 2021 album, Fire It Up.

Is That Song Public Domain?

Is That Song Public Domain?Fact or Fiction

Are classic songs like "Over The Rainbow" and "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" in the public domain?

U2 Lyrics

U2 LyricsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the lyrics of U2?

How The Beatles Crafted Killer Choruses

How The Beatles Crafted Killer ChorusesSong Writing

The author of Help! 100 Songwriting, Recording And Career Tips Used By The Beatles, explains how the group crafted their choruses so effectively.

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went Mainstream

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went MainstreamSong Writing

These overtly religious songs crossed over to the pop charts, despite resistance from fans, and in many cases, churches.

Joan Armatrading

Joan ArmatradingSongwriter Interviews

The revered singer-songwriter talks inspiration and explains why she put a mahout in "Drop the Pilot."