Give It Back to the Indians
Manhattan's Regret: A Jazz Tale of Lost Bargains
Lyrics
Old Peter Minuet had nothing to lose when he bought the isle of Manhattan
Old Peter Minuet acquired Manhattan for $26 and a bottle of booze, including the Bronx and Staten Island.
For twenty-six dollars and a bottle of booze and they threw in the Bronx and Staten
Despite the seemingly good deal, the poor red man (Native American) found it amusing, as he knew Peter was deceived.
Pete thought that he had the best of the bargin but the poor red man just grinned,
Peter believed he got the better end of the deal, but the Native American responded with a grin, aware of Peter's loss.
And he grunted "ugh!" meaning okay in his jargon for he knew poor Pete was skinned.
The Native American grunted "ugh!" as a sign of agreement in his language, acknowledging Peter's unfortunate situation.
We`ve tried to run the city....but the city ran away...
Attempts to control the city failed, and the city evaded Peter's influence.
And now Peter Minuet
Now Peter Minuet faces challenges in maintaining control.
We can`t continue it...
Continuing the city's operation becomes difficult for Peter.
Broadway`s turning into Coney,
Broadway transforms into Coney Island, and societal norms change.
Champagne Charlie`s drinking gin,
Champagne Charlie prefers gin, symbolizing shifts in preferences and behaviors.
Old New York is new and phony
Old New York undergoes changes and becomes artificial.
Give it back to the Indians!
The suggestion arises to return the city to the Native Americans.
Two cents more to smoke a Lucky,
Smoking becomes more expensive, and navigating the city streets becomes challenging.
Dodging buses keep you thin,
The current state of New York is described as favorable and enjoyable.
Now New York is simply ducky,
Despite challenges, New York is perceived as pleasant.
Give it back to the Indians!
The idea of returning the city to the Native Americans is reiterated.
Take all the reds, on the boxes made for soap
Reference to racial segregation with reds, whites, and blues representing different groups in society.
Whites on Fifth Avenue
Whites are associated with Fifth Avenue, symbolizing affluence and privilege.
Blues down in Wall Street losing hope..
Blues in Wall Street reflect a sense of despair and loss of hope among certain groups.
Big bargain today...Chief take it away!
There's a sarcastic suggestion of a great deal, humorously proposing the Chief takes it away.
Come you busted city slickers,
City dwellers facing difficulties are addressed as "busted city slickers."
Better take it on the chin
Advising resilience, suggesting that they should endure challenges.
Father Nick has lost his knickers
Father Nick losing his knickers implies a loss of composure or control.
Give it back to the Indians!
The recurring call to give the city back to the Indians is emphasized again.
Take all the reds, on the boxes made for soap
Reiteration of racial references and the idea of returning the city.
Whites on Fifth Avenue
Whites on Fifth Avenue symbolize the wealthy and privileged.
Blues down in Wall Street losing hope..
Blues in Wall Street represent those facing challenges and losing hope.
Big bargain today... Chief take it away!
Humorous repetition of the Chief taking away a supposed great bargain.
Come you busted city slickers,
Addressing city dwellers facing challenges, advising acceptance of difficulties.
Better take it on the chin
Encouraging resilience in the face of adversity.
Father Nick has lost his knickers
Reference to Father Nick losing control, emphasizing the need to handle challenges.
Give it back to the Indians!
Final repetition of the call to give the city back to the Indians.
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