[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A popular song from 1910.
Words by Harry B. Lester and Billy Clark.
Music by Harry Armstrong.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. Look here, Henry Darbaco
What makes you fret and pout?
Why don’t you slip your glad rags on
And take your lady out?
‘Cause this is Easter Sunday, man
A day of happiness
So, come on Henry darling
Let us tog up like the rest
We’ll get a great big motor car
And other things we need
And show the folks around this town
That we have lots of speed
So, don’t you start an argument
But let me have my way
Just take yourself right on upstairs
And dress the way I say
Chorus
“Put on your gloves, you high silk hat
Them blue silk sox and your cerise cravat
Don’t forget to spray some perfume on your hair
And ev’ry body’ll holler
“Ain’t that kid a bear!”
Put on your patent leather boots
Slip on that noisy striped suit
We’ll go automobiling
And we’ll get that speedy feeling
Slip your glad rags on and come with me
2. Listen here, now, Henry
I’m not talking to myself
I gave those clothes to you to wear
Don’t keep them on the shelf
If you’re so dog-gone lazy
That you can’t tog up a bit
I know another fellow that
Those clothes are going to fit
You’re not the only cherry
That’s a growing on the tree
There’s lots of other beaux in town
To take your place with me
So, don’t you stand there arguing
But just be on your way
You’d better go and hurry for
No more I’m going to say
Sung here by Fred Feild: