[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
From the burletta “The Merry Widower”, 1907.
Words by Victor H. Smalley.
Music by Bernie Adler.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
That lovin’ rag, that lovin’ rag
Fills you with joy or joyful jag
It makes you glad, you’ll ne’er be sad
That lovin’ lovin’ rag
Your honey gal close to your breast
Then dance the rag you love the best
You’ll never want to stop that lovin’ rag
Oh lawdy, lawdy, lawdy, lawdy hear that tune
I’ll forget my home and mother mighty soon
Keep right on a-raggin’ not a step I’ll miss
I’ll tell you babe, home ain’t nothin’ like this
Close your eyes my honey and we’ll glide along
I feel myself a-slipping, I don’t mean no wrong
Just put your arms around me
And we’ll dance till morn
That lovin’ lovin’ rag
Chorus
Hear the music softly play
I could dance all night and day
Lovin’ rag and bombershay
Umph, umph, my babe hold tight
I want no brass band playin’ for me
No Gillmore or Sousa’s Orchestree
The only article of harmony
Is the lovin’, lovin’ rag
Sung here by Fred Feild: