Dinah Washington’s Big Long Slidin’ Thing is a lively, playful song that showcases her versatility in blending blues and jazz with a bit of humor. The song, released in 1953, is one of Washington’s more lighthearted and flirtatious numbers, in stark contrast to some of her more somber and emotionally charged ballads.
In Big Long Slidin’ Thing, Washington sings about a romantic and physical attraction, using the metaphor of a “big long slidin’ thing” to describe the object of her affection. It’s a fun, upbeat tune that plays with double entendre and has a certain swagger, which Washington delivers with both confidence and charm.
The song features a swinging, jazzy backdrop, with Washington’s voice being the centerpiece, full of energy and sassy phrasing. Her delivery of the lyrics is playful, showcasing her ability to switch between different styles effortlessly — from sultry to comedic, with a little bit of sass thrown in. It’s a track that brings out Washington’s ability to play with mood and tone, offering something lighthearted without losing her distinctive vocal depth.
While Big Long Slidin’ Thing may not be as famous as some of her other hits, it remains a fun example of Dinah Washington’s expansive range as an artist and her ability to take on any kind of material with style.
Lyrics
I’ve been in every bar,Been in every honky-tonk,Been tryin’ to find my daddyWith that broke down piece o’ junk!Ask everyone to help me,Cried, “Help me if you can;You’ll know my daddy,He’s that trombone playin’ man!Where is my daddy?Tell me where is my daddyWith that big long slidin’ thing?”I even ask a manThat played a steel guitar;He said that you don’t need himTo be moved eight to the bar!He brought his amplifierAnd he hitched it in my plug;He planked it, and he plunked it,But it just wasn’t good enough,‘Cause I need my daddy,Need my daddy with that big long slidin’ thing!Well, then a knock came at my door,I said, “Mmm, my daddy’s back!”.I opened up the doorAnd there stood Piano Jack!He said, “I came to do some tinklin’On your piano keys!”.I said, “Don’t make me nervous,This ain’t no time to tease!Just send me my daddy,Send me my daddy with that big long slidin’ thing!”.Well, the first time he played,I ask him how it was done.He said, “I blow through here,Then I work my fingers and my thumb!I slide it right up,Then I slide it back againAnd I gdet a lot o’ wind,And then I slide it back again!”.That is my daddyWith that big long sliding thing, oh yeah!
