Let Me Play With Your Poodle - Tampa Red

Let Me Play With Your Poodle - Tampa Red

2:36

single, 1942

Written by Tampa Red (as Hudson Whittaker)

A hokum swing blues with a rollicking piano and what sounds like a kazoo.  It's surely an extended entendre for a lady part, but as with all of these early euphemistic lyrics, it can be hard to pin down.  I mean, "long black shaggy hair," I guess, sure.  Also, "And what I like about him, you keeps him clean."  But: "I like the way he twists his tail / I would buy him, but he ain't for sale."  Him?  Tail?  Anyhoo, a fun little ditty, one you might hear in a barrelhouse or bordello.