KATINKA HAT EIN HÖSCHEN AN by KALLIOPE ORCHESTER

The Year 1921: Part 3 (Germany)

Here is a charming slice of novelty Schlager from 1921. Kalliope, founded in 1905, was one of the first German record labels. Before records the company had manufactured, amongst other things, the metal discs that were played by musical boxes. Maybe the Kalliope Orchester was their house band, but I haven’t been able to find out much about them, and it wasn’t unusual for artists on Kalliope to remain anonymous. They released a series of shellac ten inchers on the label, including novelty numbers and light classical pieces.

I’ve even had a go at singing it in English (with different lyrics from the translation) – see below!

KATINKA HAT EIN HÖSCHEN AN Nanu, Nanu, Katinka hat ein Höschen an Nanu, Nanu mit lauter Bommeln dran. Sie läuft herum als Hosenmatz und sagt, das sei ein Kleidersatz. Es pfeifen schon die Spatzen: Wenn die nur nicht platzen. Katinka hat ein Höschen an mit lauter Bommeln dran.

KATINKA'S GOT HER KNICKERS ON Surprise, surprise! (1) Katinka’s got her knickers on Surprise, surprise! With lots of pom-poms on She runs around like a toddler And says she’s wearing them instead of a dress People are already gossiping (2) I just hope they don't split! Katinka’s got her knickers on With lots of pom-poms on

1) I think “Nanu” is rather old fashioned, and I found it quite hard to translate. In context it is expressing surprise. I also considered “Gosh, fancy that!” as a translation.
2) Literally “The sparrows are already chirping” but I think this is an expression that means something like: everyone knows/the secret is out.