Delaware (song)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Song by Perry Como
Released December 28, 1959 (1959-12-28)
Label RCA
Composer Irving Gordon
Language English (+ counting in Spanish, French, German)

"Delaware" is a popular song, written by Irving Gordon.[1] The song was published in 1959 and has references to 15 states of the United States.[2] The states were portrayed, in the form of puns, as: Della wear, new jersey, Calla ‘phone ya, how ar’ ya, Mrs sip, mina-soda, Ore gone, I’ll ask ‘er, taxes, Wiscon sin, new brass key, Arkan saw, Tenne see, Flora die and misery.

Gordon was apparently inspired to write the song after the success of another song that he wrote punning on the name of States of the United States of America: "Mister and Mississippi."[citation needed]

The hit version of the song was recorded by Perry Como on December 28, 1959. It was released by RCA Victor Records as a 45rpm single with catalog number 47-7670 and as a stereophonic 45rpm single with catalog number 61-7670. The flip side was "I Know What God Is". The record reached #22 on the Billboard charts in March 1960.[3]

The same recording, with the same B-side, was released by RCA in the United Kingdom (catalog number 1170) where, oddly, it did even better there than in the U.S., reaching #3 on the UK Singles Chart.[3]

Copyright over the lyrics of "Delaware" is held by Sony/ATV Music Publishing from whom permission must be obtained to reproduce the lyrics.[4]


  1. ^ "Delaware (recorded by Perry Como): Irving Gordon: Books". Retrieved 2013-09-29. 
  2. ^ "Delaware ~ lyrics". 2011-12-09. Retrieved 2013-09-29. 
  3. ^ a b "Delaware (song by Perry Como) ••• Music VF, US & UK hits charts". February 27, 1960. Retrieved September 29, 2013. 
  4. ^ "Delaware". Retrieved 29 September 2013.