[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
from the 1920 musical “Sinbad”
words by Jack Yellen
music by Albert Gumble
The sheet music:
Accompaniment:
Lyrics
1. I never got much education
When I went to public school
I was awf’ly thick at arithmetic
Couldn’t learn a single rule
But now I’m learning syncopation
People say that I’m a fool
But oh Buddy, how I love to study
At the Darktown Dancin’ School
Chorus
First you jazz-step nice an’ slow
Then you do the tickle-toe
Now ball the jack, get the knack
Bend your knees and then you twist ’em back
Walk the dog with lots o’ pep
Put some ginger in your step
On graduation day
You’ve got to shimmie in the proper way
‘Cause that’s the makin’ of a dancin’ fool
At the Darktown Dancin’ School
2. Now that’s the place to learn the new steps
Better come with me right now
Mister Dancin’ Mose dress’d in evenin’ clothes
Will be there to show you how
Say when it comes to dancin’ teachers
He’s the greatest of his time
And doggone him no one’s got it on him
In the Jazz-bo dancin’ line
Sung here by Fred Feild: