Minnie the Moocher

About

Minnie the Moocher appears on Swings Both Ways as one of its most exuberant covers. Written in 1931 by Cab Calloway, Clarence Gaskill and Irving Mills, the song became a jazz standard and was notable for its call-and-response “hi-de-hi-de-ho” refrain. Williams’s version pays affectionate tribute to Calloway’s original while adding his own modern humour and showmanship to the performance.

Williams had long admired the song for its theatrical flair and connection to the early days of swing. He said, “It’s one of those tracks that makes you feel like you’re part of a show before you’ve even hit the stage.” His arrangement, produced by Guy Chambers and arranged by Steve Sidwell, features a full big band with brassy horns, tap-style percussion and gospel-style backing vocals. The energy builds with every verse, culminating in a joyous audience-participation finale that became a highlight of his live shows.

Lyrically, Minnie the Moocher tells the story of a good-time girl and her misadventures, framed by witty slang and surreal imagery typical of 1930s jazz. Williams leaned into its playful spirit, delivering the verses with mock-serious phrasing and breaking into laughter between the scat sections. His version retains the original’s sense of mischief while adding the polish of modern studio production.

“It’s just pure fun, a proper show tune. When you sing ‘hi-de-hi-de-ho’ with thousands of people joining in, you can’t help but smile. That’s what swing’s all about.”Robbie Williams

Performed regularly on the Swings Both Ways tour, Minnie the Moocher became one of Williams’s signature live moments, complete with audience call-backs and vintage stage choreography. The song’s mix of nostalgia, humour and bravado made it a perfect fit for his swing persona, bridging the glamour of the past with the wit and exuberance that define his performances.