[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A popular song from 1918
Words and music by Geo. A. Lewis
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. They had a swell time down in old Memphis town
At the Shim-me-sha-wabbler's Ball
Alexander and his big Jazz Band
Made the music shake the hall
They danced all night till the broad day light
And still they wanted to dance some more
They couldn't stop that funny hop
But continued to dance 'round the floor
Alexander 'rose to say, "'Tis now the break of day
We'll play just one more tune for you
And then I'll say we're through"
Chorus:
All the drakes were there dressed in their best Sunday wear
Down at the Shim-me-sha-wabbler's Ball
Some high browns short, some high browns tall
And high yellows lean and small
They Simm-me-sha-wabbled 'round the hall
Where the alligators wiggle and the turtles crawl
And they had a hot time one and all
At the Shim-me-sha-wabbler's Ball
2. There were some brown skin gals with high yellow pals
At the Shim-me-sha-wabbler's Ball
There were chocolate browns from nearby towns
That were gliding 'round the hall
Old Deacon Lee, he went wild with glee
And danced all 'round on that ballroom floor
He grabbed Sis Brown from Memphis town
And he called for some more and for more
For he learned it right away
And then had this to say
"There'll be no service Sunday night
Instead we'll learn this right"