[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
The dance of the grizzly bear
a 1910 popular song
words by Irving Berlin
music by George Botsford
First published as an instrumental, The Grizzly Bear Rag (1910). Caused a dance sensation. Hear the instrumental at our website.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment:
Lyrics
1. Out in San Francisco where the weather’s fair
They have a dance out there
They call the grizzly bear
All your other lovin’ dances don’t compare
Not so coony, but a little more than spoony
Talk about yo’ bears that Teddy Roosevelt shot
They couldn’t class with what old San Francisco’s got
Listen, my honey, do, and I will show to you
The dance of the grizzly bear
Chorus
Hug up close to your baby
Throw your shoulders t’ward the ceiling
Lawdy, Lawdy, what a feelin’
Snug up close to your lady
Close your eyes and do some nappin’
Something nice is gwine to happy
Hug up close to your baby
Sway me everywhere
Show your darlin’ beau
Just how you go to Buffalo
Doin’ the grizzly bear
2. Let’s sit down and rest a minute, honey, dear
My head feels awful queer
Please call the waiter near
“Water, water, quick the lady’s gone I fear”
“Thank you, honey, in my purse
You’ll find some money
Where’s the man who show’d me
How to do that dance
That put me in a trance?
I’ll take another chance
Now that I’ve got my breath
I’m his’n until death
Come on with yo’ grizzly Bear.”
Chorus
Hug up close to your baby
Hypnotize me like a wizard
Shape yo’self just like a blizzard
Snug up close to your lady
If they do that dance in heaven
Shoot me, hon’, tonight at seven
Hug up close to your baby
Sway me everywhere
You and me is two
I’ll make it one when we get through
Doin’ the grizzly Bear
Sung here by Fred Feild: