Ethel Waters - Heat Wave, song (from "As Thousands Cheer") Lyrics

A heat wave blew right into town last week
She came from the island of Martinique
The can-can she dances will make you fry
The can-can is really the reason why

We're having a heat wave, a tropical heat wave
The temp'rature's rising, it isn't surprising
She certainly can can-can

She started the heat wave by letting her seat wave
And in such a way that the customers say that
She certainly can can-can

Gee
Her anatomy
Made the mercury
Jump to ninety-three
Yes, sir!

We're having a heat wave, a tropical heat wave
The way that she moves that thermometer proves that
She certainly can can-can

[patter:]
It's so hot the weather man will tell you a record's been made
It's so hot a coat of tan will cover your face in the shade
It's so hot the coldest maiden feels just as warm as a bride
It's so hot a chicken laid an egg on the street and it fried

[alternate lines:]
She started the heat wave by letting her feet wave

It's so hot a hefty maiden lost twenty pounds from each side