Based on the song “The Lone Fish Ball” (1855) by George Marshall Lane, the song got a reworking by Tin Pan Alley as “One Meat Ball” (1944), recorded by blues and folk singer Josh White — a little late for the Great Depression itself, but fresh in people’s minds (and stomachs).

While Josh White’s recording of “One Meatball” has no rivals (and may be the first recorded American song that uses “Groovy!”), it also has no video (yet), so here is a video version from the 1940s (served milquetoast if you will).

Enjoy!