OFF-TIME
From "Connie's Hot Chocolates"
Words by Andy Razaf; music by Thomas "Fats" Waller and Harry Brooks. ©1929.
As recorded by the original Broadway cast of "Ain't Misbehavin'", 1987.

VERSE: In these scientific days,
Ev'ryone's futuristic,
So you'll find it always pays
When you are modernistic.
Here's the dance
That's got 'em guessin'.
Now's the chance
To take a lesson.
Peculiar, goodness knows!
Here's the way it goes:

CHORUS: First hesitate, then syncopate,
While on the off-beat, you punctuate.
That's off-time.
That's off-time.

Work to the left; work to the right.
Sway like you're on the tail of a kite.
That's off-time.
That's off-time.

Mix it with slow motion.
Stir it up with pep.
Get a sudden notion
For a struttin' step.

Up off your heels, down on your toes,
Don't watch the floor; just follow your nose.
That's off-time.
That's off-time.


Early recordings were made by:
Jimmie Noone's Apex Club Orchestra (instrumental), 1929.
Sedric & Honey Bears w/Myra Johnson, vocalist, 1938.