[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial language. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A popular song from 1925.
Words by Roy Turk and Lou Handman.
Arranged by W. J. C. Lewis.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- Dancing mad, hear my heart beat
Look at my feet startin’ to glide
I’m so glad, goin’ back home
Never to roam, still I’m not riding
Chorus
I’m gonna charleston back to my old shack
In Charleston, Charleston
Hang my hat up on the rack
In Charleston, Charleston
I’m so full of joy today
I could charleston all the way
Till I land in someone’s empty arms
Say I can almost hear those southern darkies
Hummin’, strummin’
That old fav’rite melody of mine
Feet don’t let me wait
Hit that road and syncopate
I’ll charleston back to Charleston Caroline
Patter
First saw light in Charleston
Grew up right in Charleston
Learn’d to dance in Charleston
Found romance in Carolina
Proud that I’m from Charleston
Had good times in Charleston
Charleston, Hey! Hey!
On my way today
- Dancing shoes, got ’em all set
Ready to get started today
No more blues, look at my pep
Ready to step, out of my way, say!
Sung here by Fred Feild: