[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
a 1921 popular song
words by Chris Smith and Bob Schafer
music by Jimmie Durante
The sheet music:
Accompaniment:
Lyrics
1. Some folks got a habit for sleepin’
Some folks got a habit to snore
But I got a habit for just one thing
That’s struttin’ on a ballroom floor
My own “Sweetie” saw me
Fox-Trottin’ at a swell affair
Got mad, bad and ev’rything
But I just said I don’t care
Chorus
I’ve got my habits on Lawd knows
It’s on me good and strong, can’t help it
When that trombone moans I forget about home
With something on my arms, lookin’ pretty
Just a bunch of charms, cute and witty
Can’t you see, I’m gettin’ hot
Leader man, don’t you stop
Now, sure as you are born
Dog gone, I’ve got my habits on
First Patter:
Once I had a habit for “Walking the Dog”
Did the “Jack Rabbit” and “Sittin’ on the Log”
Sure got the habit to “Ball the Jack”
Even did a dance they called the “Hammer and Tack”
Gimme little Shimmie, yes I’ve stepped them all
I used to do them down at the Strutters’ Ball
I’ve shined my shoes and slicked my clothes
Look out, for I’m on my dancing toes
2. Folks, I’m just a glutton for struttin’
No time have I had quite enough
I ‘spose I am something like “Strut Miss Lizzie”
Crazy ‘bout the jazzy stuff
Ragtime music’s got ‘em
It’s appetizing to the brain
If jazz tunes are not allowed
To my feet they must explain
Chorus
I’ve got my habits on
Ain’t got a bunion or a corn
My feet are harmless, as a rule
I’m a struttin’ ole fool
I cleans up in a hall
And I spreads my stuff at ev’ry ball
Say I’ve got ‘em on the square
I am there, I’m a wang, I’m a bear
My shoes are out of pawn
Dog gone, I’ve got my habits on
Second Patter:
Sister’s got a habit, so has my brother
We’ve got a habit for something or other
Dad’s got a habit, my Mammy too
They’ve got a habit to beat me black and so blue
Uncle Hezikiah Obediah Burke
Has a lazy habit always dodging work
A band passed where I worked today
My boss got sore when he heard me say
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Sung here by Fred Feild: