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

Producer Ron Nevison

Producer Ron NevisonSong Writing

Ron Nevison explains in very clear terms the Quadrophenia concept and how Heart staged their resurgence after being dropped by their record company.

David Gray

David GraySongwriter Interviews

David Gray explains the significance of the word "Babylon," and talks about how songs are a form of active imagination, with lyrics that reveal what's inside us.

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.

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)Songwriter Interviews

Mike Rutherford talks about the "Silent Running" storyline and "Land Of Confusion" in the age of Trump.

Michael Bolton

Michael BoltonSongwriter Interviews

Into the vaults for this talk with Bolton from the '80s when he was a focused on writing songs for other artists.

Dwight Twilley

Dwight TwilleySongwriter Interviews

Since his debut single "I'm On Fire" in 1975, Dwight has been providing Spinal-Tap moments and misadventure.