I am wearing my hat on the side of my head

Posted by Graham Cambray on January 30, 2009 at 20:37

In Reply to: I am wearing my hat on the side of my head posted by Victoria S Dennis on January 10, 2009 at 14:05:

: : Danny Baker often says "I am wearing my hat on the side of my head". Anyone heard of it and know its meaning? From his manner it seems to mean felling full of himself.

: This is the first I have heard of it; but I can well imagine that a man in a carefree mood might put his hat on at an especially jaunty angle. (VSD)

-----------

The phrase seems to have a pedigree:

Danville Girl, No 2: Lyrics
As performed by Cisco Houston
Traditional
Appears on: CD Original Folkways Recordings

I went down to the railroad yard
To watch that train roll by
I knew the train would roll that day
But I did not know what time

I did not know what time, boys
I did not know what time
I knew the train would roll that day
But I did not know what time

Good morning Mister Railroad Man
What time does your train roll by
Nine-sixteen and two-forty-four
Twenty-five minutes 'til five

At nine-sixteen, two-twenty-four
Twenty-five minutes 'til five
Thank you Mister Railroad Man
I wanna watch your train roll by

Standing on a platform
Smoking a cheap cigar
Waitin' for some old freight train
Carries an empty car

I set my hat on the side of my head
And I walked across the track
Caught the end of a streamline train
I never did come back

I rode her down to Danville Town
I got stuck on a Danville girl
Bet your life she was a pearl
She wore that Danville curl

She wore her hat on the side of her head
Like high-tone people all do
The very next train come down that track
I bid that gal adieu

I bid that gal adieu, boys
I bid that gal adieu
And the very next train come down that track
I bid that gal adieu

Danny Baker must clearly be a high-tone person.
(GC)