(Adapted from “Bugle Blues”)
A popular song from 1923.
Words by Walter Hirsch.
Music by Chris Smith and W. C. Handy.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
You all recall the “Memphis Blues”
That came from down in Tennessee
“Beale Street Blues” brought mournful news
That lingers in my memory
‘Cause that’s the music I can understand
I can’t refuse “Aunt Hagars Blues”
Because it’s such a pretty strain
There’s “St. Louis” and “Ole Miss”
That told about a railroad train
But here’s a new one came from Dixieland
When you hear the bugle blow
Then you know you got to go
That’s the Darktown Reveille
Wake up your feet and make your first advance
There’s no retreat, just get your lady and dance
You never heard such music
Oh, that trumpet’s cryin’
There ain’t a thing to choose
Lawdy, oh just hear it sighin’
The mean old Bugle Blues
You step with pep at eight p. m.
And find you’re going fine at nine
Then at ten, you start again
You’re dancin’ up an’ down the line
Because you can’t refuse those Bugle Blues
And at eleven you’re in Heaven
Twelve o’clock you’ll be all set
One a. m. you’re roamin’ home
To hit the feathers with regret
And in your dreams you’ll hear those Bugle Blues
So, go to sleep till the dawn of morn
You will keep those Bugle Blues