Introduction
“No One Wants A Waist Over Nine Inches” is a popular song from the 1920s, written by songwriter Harry Von Tilzer. The song was popularized by singer and actress Fanny Brice, and it became a hit in 1926. The song is a humorous take on the obsession with having a small waist, which was a popular beauty standard at the time. The lyrics are witty and playful, and they poke fun at the idea that a woman’s worth is determined by her waist size.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “No One Wants A Waist Over Nine Inches” are clever and catchy, and they have stood the test of time. The song begins with the following verse:
No one wants a waist over nine inches,
That’s the fashion of today;
And if you want to be in style,
Here’s what you have to say:
The chorus of the song goes:
Oh, oh, you pretty little waist,
I’m in love with you;
And when you wear a twenty-inch corset,
There’s nothing else to do!
The rest of the song continues in a similar vein, with clever wordplay and jokes about the obsession with having a small waist.
The Meaning
“No One Wants A Waist Over Nine Inches” is a satirical take on the beauty standards of the time. It highlights the absurdity of the idea that a woman’s worth is determined by her waist size. The song reminds us that the ideal body type is constantly changing, and that we should not be so obsessed with conforming to these standards. In today’s world, we are still bombarded with images of the “perfect” body, but it is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to beauty.
The Legacy
“No One Wants A Waist Over Nine Inches” may have been written in the 1920s, but its message still resonates today. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, and it has become a classic. It is a reminder that we should not be so obsessed with our appearance, and that we should focus on being healthy and happy instead. The song also shows us that humor can be a powerful tool for social commentary.
Conclusion
“No One Wants A Waist Over Nine Inches” may be a lighthearted song, but it has a powerful message. It reminds us that beauty standards are constantly changing, and that we should not be so obsessed with conforming to them. The song encourages us to focus on being healthy and happy, rather than striving for an unrealistic ideal. So the next time you find yourself worrying about your appearance, remember the words of this classic song.
