[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A popular song from 1919
Words by Walter Hirsch
Music by Wilfred Duke
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- My little hon’, my little one
You better hurry down to Darktown
Where lights are bright, ‘most every night
Oh, what a wonderful sight
Work all done? Come on hon’
If you want to see the fun
Chorus
So won’t you come on down to Easy Street
‘Cause they’re goin’ to make you shake your feet
You have to “shimmey” when they yell
“Slide ’em easy, slide ’em easy”
When you hear the “Easy Blues”
Just you watch your “P’s and Q’s”
And for their easy jazz you’re bound to fall
When you hear that leader call
“You better grab your partners, one and all”
For the “Easy Steppers” ball
- You’re goin’ to see society
And all the bright lights down in Darktown
You’re goin’ to meet all the elite
They’ll make your pleasure complete
Short and tall, large and small
They will all be in the hall