Chrisbe's Song of the Week #258: When I Get Low I Get High

In my early years as a DJ, I discovered Linnzi Zaorski's version of “When I Get Low I Get High”. Since then, I'm looking for other versions of it.

But it's always interesting to find out where the roots are resp. who the first artist was to record the song.

When I Get Low I Get High

In this case, the song was written by Marion Sunshine. Chick Webb & His Orchestra with the young Ella Fitzgerald (18 years old) first recorded it in 1936.

Lyrics

My fur coat's sold
Oh Lord ain't it cold
But I'm not gonna holler
Cause I've still got a dollar
And when I get low
Oh, I get high

My man walked out
Now you know that ain't right
He better watch out
If I meet him tonight
I said when I get low
Oh, I get high

All this hard luck in this town has found me
Nobody knows but the troubles are all around me

Oh, I'm all alone
With no one to pet me
My old rocking chair
Ain't never gonna get me
Cause when I get low
Oh, I get high

When I get low
Oh, I get high

Title: When I Get Low I Get High
Artist: Chick Webb & His Orchestra with Ella Fitzgerald
Recorded: April 7, 1936
Tempo: 193 bpm
Dance: Lindy Hop, Balboa