Published 1910 Language English | Writer(s) Joseph M. Daly | |
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"Chicken Reel" is a dance tune. It was composed in 1910 by Joseph M. Daly (né Joseph Michael Daly; 1883–1968). Joseph Mittenthal added lyrics in 1911.
Along with "Turkey in the Straw," "Chicken Reel" is probably best known for its use in early animated cartoons as a catchy tune used to represent farmyard activity, or a gathering of fowl. Originally composed as a novelty song, it has since passed into modern folk tradition. Today, the tune is usually played without the words, which would often have been sung in the minstrel style (in stereotyped African-American vernacular).
Chicken Reel was made popular again years later by Les Paul who recorded the song as a catchy instrumental, whimsically mimicking chicken sounds on his guitar.
"Chicken Reel" was arranged for symphony orchestra by Leroy Anderson; his arrangement was recorded by the Boston Pops Orchestra in 1992.
Lyrics
The lyrics as written by Mittenthal: