Tiptoe Through The Tulips

Here's one some of you may recognize… though it's unlikely you were around when it topped the charts for ten weeks in 1929. "Tiptoe Through The Tulips" ("With Me" is sometimes added to the title) was written by Al Rubin and Joe Burke. It appeared in an early "talkie" movie called Gold Diggers Of Broadway. By the way, it might be interesting to discuss the term "talkie" with your kids. A guitarist by the name of Nick Lucas crooned the tune in the movie and it became an instant hit. But it fell into obscurity until it was reintroduced in the late 1960s by a performer named Tiny Tim. He sang the song in a high falsetto voice accompanied by a ukulele. You can find his rendition on YouTube® if you'd like to see it.

We have created our own version which also includes a ukulele in the accompaniment along with standard rhythm instruments, strings, and a clarinet playing the melody guide track. Ours is an optional 2-part arrangement and bounces along in a shuffle (swing) style. Here is yet another opportunity for you to teach your kids the difference between straight time and swing time. After all, "it don't mean a thing" otherwise.

This arrangement builds as it goes, starting with unison for verse one. When it repeats to verse two, part 2 joins in. We move to the bridge (bar 15) with both parts. As the end of the bridge leads to verse three, we have a playful slide/scoop in part 2. You can't miss it. You may scoop quickly or exaggerate the slide for a bit more novelty. Treat it how you like. The whistling verse comes next in measure 31. We D.S. back to measure 15, then after measure 28, jump to the coda and you're home free!

A part 2 practice mix is available on our web site.

Tiptoe along with the tulips! - When performing this song be sure to check out our own Melissa Schott's choreography video. She has included an instructional video and teaching notes that you can use with your performers as is or adapted however you like. It can be found at our web site.