The Meaning Behind The Song: Rum and Coca-Cola by The Andrews Sisters

The song “Rum and Coca-Cola” by the Andrews Sisters is a hit from the 1940s that was inspired by the soldiers stationed in Trinidad during World War II. With its catchy tune and playful lyrics, the song topped the charts in the US and became a cultural phenomenon. However, the song’s meaning and origins are often misunderstood. In this article, we will explore the history of the song, its cultural significance, and the controversy that surrounded it.

History Of The Song

“Rum and Coca-Cola” was written in 1943 by American songwriter Morey Amsterdam and composed by Matilda Sissieretta Lewin, who was known by her pen name, Lord Invader. The song was inspired by the local workers in Trinidad who sold rum and Coca-Cola to American soldiers stationed on the island during the war.

Morey Amsterdam was a comic actor, writer, and producer who had written songs for the Andrews Sisters in the past. He came up with the lyrics for “Rum and Coca-Cola” while he was stationed in Trinidad with the USO. The song’s title comes from the two most popular drinks on the island at the time.

Lord Invader, on the other hand, was a calypso singer and songwriter from Trinidad who was living in New York City at the time. He had written a song called “More Rum and Coca-Cola” in 1940, which criticized Trinidadian women who sold themselves to American soldiers for money. Amsterdam took the melody of Lord Invader’s song and rewrote the lyrics to create “Rum and Coca-Cola.”

The Andrews Sisters recorded the song in late 1943, and it was released the following year. “Rum and Coca-Cola” became a massive hit in the United States, spending ten weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard charts and selling over a million copies. It was one of the Andrews Sisters’ most successful songs, and it established their signature sound, which blended swing music and pop vocals.

Cultural Significance Of The Song

“Rum and Coca-Cola” was not only a musical hit, but it also became a cultural phenomenon. The song’s upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and playful lyrics captured the spirit of the era and resonated with the American public. However, the song’s cultural significance goes beyond its musical excellence.

During World War II, Trinidad became a critical military base for the United States. The island’s strategic location in the Caribbean made it an essential base for the US Navy, and thousands of American troops were stationed there. The soldiers were far from home, and they needed a way to relax and let loose after a long day of training, and partying became a popular pastime.

“Rum and Coca-Cola” was an anthem for the soldiers stationed in Trinidad. It was a reminder of the island’s tropical vibes, its beautiful women, and its laid-back lifestyle. The song evoked a sense of carefree joy that helped soldiers forget the realities of wartime.

The song’s popularity also cemented the Andrews Sisters’ status as cultural icons. The trio was already well-known for their patriotic songs, routines, and movie appearances, but “Rum and Coca-Cola” made them household names. The song helped establish the Andrews Sisters as one of the most successful musical acts of the 1940s

The Controversy Surrounding The Song

Despite its popularity, “Rum and Coca-Cola” was also the source of controversy. The song’s lyrics describe Trinidadian women as “working as a waitress in a cocktail bar,” implying that they were selling themselves to American soldiers. This portrayal of Trinidadian women was offensive to many people on the island, who saw it as a misrepresentation of their culture and traditions.

The controversy surrounding “Rum and Coca-Cola” reached its peak in 1945 when Lord Invader sued the Andrews Sisters and Morey Amsterdam for copyright infringement. Lord Invader claimed that the melody of “Rum and Coca-Cola” was based on his song, “More Rum and Coca-Cola,” which he had written in 1940.

Lord Invader’s lawsuit was unsuccessful, and many people criticized him for trying to capitalize on the Andrews Sisters’ success. However, the controversy surrounding the song highlighted the problematic depiction of Trinidadian women in American popular culture.

FAQs

1. What is the movie that features “Rum and Coca-Cola?”

“Rum and Coca-Cola” appears in Abbott and Costello’s film “Here Come the Co-eds” (1945).

2. What was Lord Invader’s song “More Rum and Coca-Cola” about?

“More Rum and Coca-Cola” criticized Trinidadian women who sold themselves to American soldiers for money.

3. Who was Morey Amsterdam?

Morey Amsterdam was an American comic actor, writer, and producer who wrote songs for the Andrews Sisters.

4. What is calypso music?

Calypso is a genre of music that originated in Trinidad and Tobago in the early 20th century. It is characterized by its lyrical content, which often focuses on social and political issues.

5. Why did Lord Invader sue the Andrews Sisters and Morey Amsterdam?

Lord Invader claimed that the melody of “Rum and Coca-Cola” was based on his song, “More Rum and Coca-Cola,” which he had written in 1940.

6. What was the controversy surrounding “Rum and Coca-Cola”?

The controversy surrounding “Rum and Coca-Cola” centered on the song’s portrayal of Trinidadian women as working in cocktail bars and implied that they were selling themselves to American soldiers.

7. How did “Rum and Coca-Cola” contribute to the Andrews Sisters’ success?

“Rum and Coca-Cola” was one of the Andrews Sisters’ most successful songs and helped establish them as one of the most successful musical acts of the 1940s.

8. What was the cultural significance of “Rum and Coca-Cola” during World War II?

“Rum and Coca-Cola” was an anthem for the soldiers stationed in Trinidad and evoked a sense of carefree joy that helped soldiers forget the realities of wartime.

9. What was the Andrews Sisters’ signature sound?

The Andrews Sisters’ signature sound blended swing music and pop vocals.

10. How long did “Rum and Coca-Cola” stay at No. 1 on the Billboard charts?

“Rum and Coca-Cola” spent ten weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard charts.

11. How many copies of “Rum and Coca-Cola” did the Andrews Sisters sell?

The Andrews Sisters sold over a million copies of “Rum and Coca-Cola.”

12. What is the lyrical content of “Rum and Coca-Cola”?

“Rum and Coca-Cola” describes Trinidadian women as working in cocktail bars and implies that they were selling themselves to American soldiers.