Disclaimer: these lyrics contains racial ideas that were used in the past. I am merely presenting it in its original form.
a 1922 popular song
words and music by Chris Smith and Jimmie Durante
The sheet music:
Accompaniment:
Lyrics
1. The Honky-Tonk Steppers are giving a ball
Next Saturday night at the old Town Hall
Old folks, young folks take a chance
And get yourself to that dance
You’d better have taxicab fare
And hurry along and be there,’cause
Chorus
I’m goin’ to do a little cheatin’, I’ll wear my “Sunday go to meetin'”
Not a dance I’ll lose, I’m gonna step in patent leather shoes (corn protectors)
Sam Green plays a mean piano, his Jazz hounds can’t be beat
As syncopators they’re hot potaters, a real treat, they play so sweet
Every Honky Tonk stepper will come struttin’ in (can’t scorn ’em)
All those high-toned “dick-ties” will be buttin’ in (doggone ’em)
Bill Brown, the Mayor of Dark Town, figures he’s gonna call
Next Saturday night at the Honky Tonk Steppers’ Ball
Patter
Tailor shops pressin’ up fancy clothes
Everyone dressin’ up, goodness knows
Cleaners getting busy, slickin’ old plug hats
All the cops shining up clubs and “Gats”
Butcher-men, baker-men selling out
Food is goin’ to the hall, there’s no doubt
Where all the eats are free, and I can plainly see
The first one in line will be me, ’cause
2. The Darkie town strutters once gave an affair
Just one year ago, yes, and I was there
What a time was had that night
We stayed until broad daylight
But this dance will be a knock-out
I know what I’m talking about,’cause
Chorus
I’m goin’ to be there with my honey; you’ll see me circulate my money
All there is I’ll see, and I’ll be messin’ in society (mighty stuck-up)
One thing I forgot to mention, just throw your watch away
You’re gonna stay ’round, and you’ll be homebound, on Sunday or on Monday
Go right to the box office tickets are on sale (go get ’em)
Pass up speculators they’ll be thrown in jail (doggone ’em)
Come, meet and greet the old timers, they will be in the hall
Next Saturday night at the Honky Tonk Steppers’ Ball
Patter
Father John, Uncle Tom, Old Aunt Jane
Struttin’ by steppin’ high, raisin’ cain
Mixing up with Bully Mose, the jazzin’ houn’
Danc-in’est, pranc-in’est man in town
Mammy Smith dancing with old man Jake
Heard ’em talk, gonna walk for the cake
Come all you steppin’ hounds, from all the nearby towns
And mix with “Yallers” and “Browns”, ’cause
Sung here by Fred Feild: