She Had To Go And Lose It At The Astor

Album: Harry Roy & His Band (1939)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Written by Don Ray and Hugh Prince, in February 2003 veteran broadcaster Desmond Carrington said this recording by Harry Roy & His Band came out in 1939 to a million stifled giggles. "She Had To Go And Lose It At The Astor" begins with a spoken introduction, and then a hunt for what is a sable cape, but of course the male voice chorus is full of double entendre.

    As Carrington pointed out, the song was initially banned by the BBC. Always a fruitless exercise, because if nothing else, this generates curiosity. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England
  • In America, Johnny Messner and His Orchestra released a version around the same time. Pearl Bailey did a popular cover in 1957.

Comments: 1

  • George from Vancouver, CanadaHis other 'hit' was "My Girl's Pu--y"; very much an intended double entendre, so I would figure this one is, too. Nothing wrong with double entendre songs, if they've a carchy beat!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dave Pirner of Soul Asylum

Dave Pirner of Soul AsylumSongwriter Interviews

Dave explains how the video appropriated the meaning of "Runaway Train," and what he thought of getting parodied by Weird Al.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?

Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots

Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple PilotsSongwriter Interviews

Stone Temple Pilots bass player Robert DeLeo names the songs that have most connected with fans and tells the stories behind tracks from their Tiny Music album.

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.

Grateful Dead Characters

Grateful Dead CharactersMusic Quiz

Many unusual folks appear in Grateful Dead songs. Can you identify them?

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.