Judge — October 29, 1927 — page 18: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a humorous song sheet (words and music by H.W. Hanemann) rather than political satire. The page presents sheet music for a cautionary novelty song in ukulele tuning. The narrative describes a restless granddaughter visiting her grandmother's old-fashioned house. Frustrated with the slow pace of life, the girl grabs a nearby shovel to strike her grandmother, but a passing stranger intervenes, blocking the swing and delivering the titular moral lesson: "Never Hit Your Grandma With a Shovel." The joke relies on absurdist humor — presenting an obviously terrible action as though it requires stating. The decorative border features cherubic figures and domestic imagery (fruit, kitchen scenes), reinforcing the sentimental "grandma" theme. This type of novelty song was common entertainment in Judge during this era, mixing whimsy with mild social commentary about generational impatience and respect for elders.