[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
a 1922 popular song
words and music by Louis A. Hirsch, Gene Buck and Dave Stamper
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
We used to brag about the Broadway White Lights
The very famous dazzling White Way nightlights
They used to glare and glimmer
But they are growing dimmer
Perhaps you’ve noticed in the night cafe’s now
If you go out on a lark
Just take a tip from me, take a trip you will see
Broadway is getting quite dark
Refrain
It’s getting very dark on old Broadway
You see the change in ev’ry cabaret
It’s just like an eclipse on the moon
Ev’ry cafe now has the dancing coon
Pretty choc’late babies
Shake and shimmie ev’rywhere
Real darktown entertainers hold the stage
You must black up to be the latest rage
Yes, the great white way is white no more
It’s just like a street on the Swanee shore
It’s getting very dark on old Broadway
Sung here by Fred Feild: