From the 1935 musical film “Top Hat”.
Words and music by Irving Berlin.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
I just got an invitation through the mails
“Your presence requested this evening, it’s formal”
A top hat, a white tie and tails
Nothing now could take the wind out of my sails
Because I’m invited to step out this evening
With top hat and white tie and tails
Chorus
I’m puttin’ on my top hat
Tyin’ up my white tie
Brushin’ off my tails
I’m dudein’ up my shirt front
Puttin’ in the shirt studs
Polishin’ my nails
I’m steppin’ out, my dear
To breathe an atmosphere
That simply reeks with class
And I trust that you’ll excuse my dust
When I step on the gas
For I’ll be there
Puttin’ down my top hat
Mussin’ up my white tie
Dancin’ in my tails
Sung here by Laurence Rubenstein: