Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Y: Yes! We Have No Bananas

 

#AtoZChallenge 2025 letter Y



This is a popular novelty tune written in 1923 by Frank Silver and Irving Cohn. It has been recorded by numerous artists including Louis Prima and Billy Jones (both of whose versions are below), among others, many in 1923 alone. It is one of the best-selling books of sheet music. 






Below is a video on the story of "Yes! We Have No Bananas." 



The song also found its way into commercials. I seem to think this was how I first heard the song.

12 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Bouncy tune that is enduringly popular!

Al Penwasser said...

We have no bananas today.

Mary Kirkland said...

I remember that one.

Deborah Weber said...

This one makes me laugh/faux cringe. It's precisely what my partner sings to me when he's eaten the last banana.

Lady M said...

I remember singing this as a kid - had no idea it was written in 1923.

Liz A. said...

Over 100 years old? Yeah, that tracks. I can hear it in my head now.

Birgit said...

I always liked this tune. I felt it went hand in hand with, " Lydia, the Tatioed Lady," for some reason. I enjoyed the history of it too. A friend of mine told me that when her dad was growing up, in England, around 1949, one banana would cost $1,000 lbs!! My jaw just about hit the floor.

Live and Learn said...

I remember first hearing this song when I was 8. It took me a while to figure out what it meant. Then I thought it was very clever.

Donna Smith said...

I loved this song as a kid...loved that wording.

My name is Erika. said...

I just hope this one gets stuck in my head, but it's a fun tune.

Vicki said...

I remember that commercial. I still love it!

Anne E.G. Nydam said...

My father used to sing this one a lot. =)