How Ya Gonna Keep 'em Down on the Farm (After They've Seen Paree)? | |
Cover: | How 'ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm (After they've seen Paree) (SM-2-073).jpg |
Caption: | Sheet music cover |
Published: | 1919 |
Composer: | Walter Donaldson |
Lyricist: | Joe Young, Sam M. Lewis |
"How Ya Gonna Keep 'em Down on the Farm (After They've Seen Paree?)" is a World War I-era popular song that rose to popularity after the war had ended. The lyrics highlight concern that soldiers would not want to return to their family farms after experiencing the European city life and high culture of Paris during World War I. The song features music by Walter Donaldson and words by Joe Young and Sam M. Lewis. It was published in 1919 by Waterson, Berlin & Snyder Co in New York.[1]
The song was first introduced to vaudeville by Sophie Tucker.[2] Eddie Cantor also added it to his stage set. An early jazz band, Jim Europe's 369th Infantry Band frequently performed it in 1919 after arriving back in New York.[3]
Like many World War I-era songs, it was sung by soldiers in World War II.[4]