Grandma Plays the Numbers

"Grandma Plays the Numbers" is a song that plays on Diamond City Radio $$ It is performed by Wynonie Harris.

Background
The song was recorded for the King record label in Linden, New Jersey on December 18, 1948. Wynonie Harris' vocals were accompanied by Cat Anderson (trumpet), Frank Culley (alto saxophone), Hal Singer (tenor saxophone), Elmer Alexander (baritone saxophone), "Birdie" Wallace (piano), Jimmy Butts (bass), and Connie Kay (drums).

Lyrics
[spoken word] Say Wynonie, I was by your house last night and guess what happened?

What happened, mon?

Your grandma was playing the numbers!

Well you just find that out?

Well what do you know, hmm?

[sung] (We found out) Yes we did! (We found out) Now we know! (We found out) We found out that grandma plays the numbers.

(We found out) Yes we did! (We found out) She couldn't keep it hid! (We found out) Now we know that grandma plays the numbers.

Thinks about 'em everyday, dreams about 'em every-night. Gets up early in the morning, see all of 'em numbers come down just right.

(We found out) Yes we know! (We found out) Bless her soul! (We found out) Now we know that grandma plays the numbers.

[instrumental interlude]

(We found out) Yes we know! (We found out) Bless her soul! (We found out) Now we know that grandma plays the numbers.

(We found out) Yes, oh yes! (We found out) We found out! (We found out) Now we know that grandma plays the numbers.

She's at the fruit stand everyday, buys bananas by the bunch. She looked at all the price tags, that's where she gets her hunch.

(We found out) Yes we know! (We found out) Bless her soul! (We found out) Now we know that grandma plays the numbers.

[spoken word] Hey grandma, did you get your numbers in yet?

Well, I 'spect I did son!

Well, what did you play?

3, 6, 9!

Well, what do you know?

[instrumental flourish]

Video
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Behind the scenes

 * The instrumental interlude is reminiscent of "Chicken Reel". The opening is frequently used in cartoons to evoke a barnyard scene.
 * "Playing the Numbers" refers to an illegal lottery game where a bettor picks three numbers that match ones randomly drawn the next day.