The Kavaliers: “Get that Communist Joe” (1954)

Written by Weinman and Dorney, Get that Communist Joe is a light-hearted novelty song. It is one of several songs of its era that parodied Wisconsin senator Joseph McCarthy and his crusade against suspected communists in the government and military. In this case, the singer encourages McCarthy to “get that communist” who is “fillin’ [his] girl with propaganda”. Little is known of The Kavaliers, the group that recorded this song in 1954.

Spoken: Joe, come here a minute
I get a red-hot tip for you, Joe!

See that guy with the red suspenders
Driving that car with the bright red fenders
I know he’s one of those heavy spenders
Get that Communist Joe

He’s fillin’ my gal with propaganda
And I’m scared she will meander
Don’t want to take a chance that he’ll land her
Get that Communist Joe

He’s a most revolting character
And the fellas hate him so
But with the girls this character
Is a Comrade Romeo

Since my love, he’s sabotaging
And the law he has been dodging
Give him what he deserves, jailhouse lodging
Get that Communist Joe (Get that Shmo, Joe)


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