Mayfair Dance Orchestra plays "How Ya Gonna Keep 'em Down on the Farm (After They've Seen Paree?)"<br /><br />August 26, 1919<br /><br />Lyrics by Sam M. Lewis and Joe Young <br /><br />Music written by Walter Donaldson<br /><br />"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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />Reuben, Reuben, I've been thinking<br />Said his wifey dear<br />Now that all is peaceful and calm<br />The boys will soon be back on the farm<br />Mister Reuben started winking and slowly rubbed his chin<br />He pulled his chair up close to mother<br />And he asked her with a grin<br /><br />How ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm<br />After they've seen Paree?<br />How ya gonna keep 'em away from Broadway<br />Jazzin around and paintin' the town?<br />How ya gonna keep 'em away from harm?<br />That's a mystery.<br /><br />They'll never want to see a rake or plow.<br />And who the deuce can parleyvous a cow?<br />How ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm<br />After they've seen Paree?<br /><br />Rueben, Rueben, you're mistaken<br />Said his wifey dear<br />Once a farmer, always a jay<br />And farmers always stick to the hay<br />Mother Reuben, I'm not fakin<br />Tho you may think it strange<br />But wine and women play the mischief<br />With a boy who's loose with change<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />"How Ya Gonna Keep 'em Down on the Farm (After They've Seen Paree?)" (1919) Mayfair Dance Orchestra
