[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A 1923 popular song
Words by Jack Yellen
Music by Milton Ager
Sheet music provided by Laurence Rubenstein:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. Well, folks
Here’s some news I’ve got to tell folks
Dancin’ shoes of lot of swell folks
Are doin’ new steps now-a-days
Mark down
“Struttin’ School” where there’s a dark-brown
Struttin’ fool who’s teachin’ Darktown
The very latest dancin’ craze
And if your steppin stuff
Isn’t right up to snuff
Chorus:
Take your feet to be educated in the Strut-strut-struttin’ school
It’s a treat to be graduated as a Strut-strut-struttin’ fool
This school has a band that features only jazz
And dancin’ teachers who’s struttin’ ain’t nothin’ but the best in the land
Step this way when you step inside of any Strut-strut-struttin’ hall
Just display lots of pep and pride and see how all the ladies fall
If you want to take home a Darktown Struttin’ diploma
Take your feet to be educated in the Strut-strut-struttin’ school
2. Drop in
Any time you’re pleasure shoppin’
Pay your dime, and you can hop in
And join a class most any night
Rastus
Ace of spades of dancin’ masters
Teaches maids of Goulds and Astors
Will show you how to do it right
And if you aim to be
In high society
Sung here by Fred Feild: