How Ya Gonna Keep 'em Down on the Farm - Mayfair Dance Orchestra (1919)

Mayfair Dance Orchestra plays "How Ya Gonna Keep 'em Down on the Farm (After They've Seen Paree?)"

August 26, 1919

Lyrics by Sam M. Lewis and Joe Young

Music written by Walter Donaldson

"How Ya Gonna Keep 'em Down on the Farm (After They've Seen Paree?)" is a World War I 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 culture of Paris during World War I.

Reuben, Reuben, I've been thinking
Said his wifey dear
Now that all is peaceful and calm
The boys will soon be back on the farm
Mister Reuben started winking and slowly rubbed his chin
He pulled his chair up close to mother
And he asked her with a grin

How ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm
After they've seen Paree?
How ya gonna keep 'em away from Broadway
Jazzin around and paintin' the town?
How ya gonna keep 'em away from harm?
That's a mystery.

They'll never want to see a rake or plow.
And who the deuce can parleyvous a cow?
How ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm
After they've seen Paree?

Rueben, Rueben, you're mistaken
Said his wifey dear
Once a farmer, always a jay
And farmers always stick to the hay
Mother Reuben, I'm not fakin
Tho you may think it strange
But wine and women play the mischief
With a boy who's loose with change




"How Ya Gonna Keep 'em Down on the Farm (After They've Seen Paree?)" (1919) Mayfair Dance Orchestra