[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A popular song from 1919.
Words and music by Benny Davis, Sid and Ernie Erdman.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. Sweetie dear, there’s a taxi waitin’
Sweetie dear, don’t be hesitatin’
Soon we’ll be, you and me
Dancin’ ‘round in high society
Swell affair, ev’rybody’s going’
Bring your dancin’ shoes that’s all
Come on babe, we’re bound to make a showin’
At the High Brown Babies’ Ball
Chorus
When the band begins to play
Ev’ry one will start to sway
We’ll start slow just for a bluff
And when I say “Let’s go, babe!” do your stuff
We’ll be “Johnny on the spot”
For what it takes we sure have got
We’ll “Walk the Dog” and “Ball the Jack”
“Tickle Toe” forward then “Shimmie” back
We got to show some class, that’s all
At the High Brown Babies’ Ball
2. Sweetie dear, there’ll be nothin’ to it
Sweetie dear, you and me can do it
Don’t be slow, come let’s go
Ev’ry one there will envy us I know
Sweetie dear, When we start our struttin’
For our stuff they’re bound to fall
Come on babe, for we won’t stop at nothin’
At the High Brown Babies’ Ball
Sung here by Fred Feild: