At the Ball, That’s All

a 1913 popular song
words and music by J. Leubrie Hill


The sheet music:


Accompaniment:


Lyrics

  1. Listen, listen
    Listen at that dreamy music playing
    It’s reminiscent listen what you’re missing
    That tune that keeps you swaying
    My! but that music sounds so sweet
    I just can’t keep still up on my feet
    ‘Cause ragtime music to me is a perfect treat
    (Because it certainly can’t be beat)
    When at a ball you are feeling kinder blue
    Listen, and I’ll tell you what to do

Chorus
Commence advancing, commence advancing
Just start a-prancing, right and left a-glancing
A moochee dancing, slide and glide entrancing
Do the tango jiggle with a Texas Tommy wiggle
Take your partner and hold her
Lightly enfold her, a little bolder
Just work your shoulder
Snap your fingers one and all
In the hall at the ball, that’s all

  1. Swaying, swaying
    Swaying right and left, each one a-reeling
    The band’s a-playing, swaying, all displaying
    That ragtime moochee feeling
    Clouds of joy floating ’round the hall
    A reign of happiness seems to fall
    It is so entrancing while dancing at a ragtime ball
    (Because it makes a hit with all)
    When at a ball and you feel somewhat blue
    There’s but one thing left for you to do

Sung here by Fred Feild: