The Subway Glide

Poking fun at the glide (a popular dance), 1912.
words by Arthur Gillespie
music by Theodore Norman


The sheet music:


Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:


Lyrics

  1. Ding-a-ding hear the bell
    Come along Isabella, for a ride
    Just room enough for two
    Hurry up come and do the Subway glide
    Ties you all up in knots
    Beats all the Turkey trots, oh come on gal
    If you can keep your feet then you’re an athlete
    Hurry and come along (watch your step and)

Chorus
Rush in, crush in, reach for a handle strap
Then turn right round and flop in a lady’s lap
A swinging while around the curve you’re gliding
Winging while around the car you’re sliding
Fall down all down grab any vacant seat
Then fall out, crawl out, here’s forty-second street
Bust in the door, roll on the floor
Then you glide and you slide
Everybody you rub, when you’re doing the Sub
When you’re doing the Subway glide

  1. Don’t try to raise a fuss
    Don’t even give a cuss, but wear a smile
    If you get bumped why then
    Bump ’em right back again, yes all the while
    Hang to your locket, Look!
    Don’t lose your pocket book, oh watch that jay
    Stand with your feet apart
    Sit down, they’re going to start
    Hear the guard singing that (watch your step and)

Sung here by Fred Feild: