A deeper look into zoot suit culture with lyrics
by 
Lara on April 14th, 2008
Wow, I always just thought it was a fashion trend, or a mafia thing. Boy, was I wrong!
Initially an African American youth fashion, closely connected to jazz culture, the zoot suit was co-opted by a generation of Mexican American kids, who made it their own.
The oversized suit was both an outrageous style and a statement of defiance. Zoot suiters asserted themselves, at a time when fabric was being rationed for the war effort, and in the face of widespread discrimination.
Zoot suits were reserved for special occasions — a dance or a birthday party. The amount of material and tailoring required made them luxury items. Many kids wore a toned-down version of the “draped” pants or styled their hair in the signature “ducktail.” - American Experience (PBS)
The Zoot Suit Riots were actually a race war between Chicanos (Mexican-Americans) and US Sailors. I mean, this was a real thing, and if you break apart the lyrics of the song made famous by the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, you’ll understand a little more:
Cherry Poppin’ Daddies - Zoot Suit Riot Lyrics
Who’s that whisperin’ in the trees?
It’s two sailors and they’re on leave
Pipes and chains and swingin’ hands
Who’s your daddy? Yes I am
Fat cat came to play
Now he can’t run fast enough
You’d best stay away
When the pushers come to shove
Zoot suit riot
Throw back a bottle of beer
Zoot suit riot
Pull a comb through your coal black hair
Zoot suit riot
Throw back a bottle of beer
Zoot suit riot
Pull a comb through your coal black hair
Blow Daddy!
A whipped up jitterbuggin’ brown eyed man
A stray cat frontin’ up an eight-piece band
Cut me Sammy and you’ll understand
In my veins hot music ran
You got me in a sway
and I want to swing you done
Now you sailors know
Where your women come for love
Zoot suit riot
Throw back a bottle of beer
Zoot suit riot
Pull a comb through your coal black hair
You’re in a Zoot suit riot
You’re in a Zoot suit riot
You’re in a Zoot suit riot
(random gibberish)
Oh you got me in a sway
and I want to swing you done
Now you sailors know
Where your women come for love
Zoot suit riot
Throw back a bottle of beer
Zoot suit riot
Pull a comb through your coal black hair
Zoot suit riot
Throw back a bottle of beer
Zoot suit riot
Pull a comb through your coal black hair
You’re in a Zoot suit riot
You’re in a Zoot suit riot
You’re in a Zoot suit riot
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POSTED IN: Cherry Poppin' Daddies, Culture of Living, The Fashion
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