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

Bryan Adams

Bryan AdamsSongwriter Interviews

What's the deal with "Summer of '69"? Bryan explains what the song is really about, and shares more of his songwriting insights.

Rosanne Cash

Rosanne CashSongwriter Interviews

Rosanne talks about the journey that inspired her songs on her album The River & the Thread, including a stop at the Tallahatchie Bridge.

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.

Dexys (Kevin Rowland and Jim Paterson)

Dexys (Kevin Rowland and Jim Paterson)Songwriter Interviews

"Come On Eileen" was a colossal '80s hit, but the band - far more appreciated in their native UK than stateside - released just three albums before their split. Now, Dexys is back.

Wolfgang Van Halen

Wolfgang Van HalenSongwriter Interviews

Wolfgang Van Halen breaks down the songs on his debut album, Mammoth WVH, and names the definitive Van Halen songs from the Sammy and Dave eras.