This is more about “tea” as a social event rather than a drink. But where else am I gonna put this?

You can see the sheet music for this song at Baylor University. There is another copy at MusicNotes.com. You can hear a recording by Collins and Harlan from 1911 at the Internet Archive. The following lyrics are from the sheet music.


HARRIGAN & HART’S
New Song,
Clara Jenkins’ Tea
AS SUNG IN THE NEW PLAY
THE MAJOR.
Words by Ed. Harrigan; music by Dave Braham; ©1881.

1. Oh, now put on your Sunday clothes.
Get ready for the jubilee.
Dere’s a mighty high time when the clock strikes nine.
Oh, do come along with me,
All Methodist and Baptist too, oh my!
Will sing about the old Red Sea.
De new church choir will sing a note higher
At Clara Jenkins’ socialistic tea.
Ladies, try this citron cake.
Pass it ‘round for goodness sake!
Won’t you try some lemon cream?
Oh! yes, now don’t be mean.

CHORUS: Oh, now put on your Sunday clothes
And get ready for the jubilee.
Dere’s a mighty high time when de clock strikes nine
At little Clara Jenkins’ tea.

2. There’s poor old Aunty Green, dear me!
Her age it is just ninety-four.
She’s as lively as a kitten, keeps a-gettin’ up and gettin’.
You can’t keep her off the floor.
Dere’s something in de old brown jug; look dar,
Just yonder on the shelf, you see.
Don’t let it go to waste, but give us all a taste
At Clara Jenkins’ socialistic tea.
Standing in the well so deep,
Yes, indeed, a hundred feet—
“Will you be my loving queen?”
“Go away; I’m just sixteen!”

3. We’ll go home when de sun does shine
In de mornin’ at de peep of day.
Isn’t ev’rybody’s sad, ‘cause ev’rybody’s glad.
Good Lord, how we’d like to stay!
Now, colored gentlemen and ladies all,
Take a little kind advice from me:
Won’t mention any name, but please to call again,
When Clara Jenkins gives another tea.
Forfeit, all the gemmen now.
No, no, ladies, you’ll allow.
Dar’s dat gal in velveteen.
How do, sir? Now don’t be mean.