THE DARKTOWN STRUTTERS' BALL (Shelton Brooks, 1917)
1. I've got some good news, honey: An invitation to the Darktown Ball. It's a very swell affair. All the high-browns will be there. I'll wear my high silk hat and a frock-tail coat. You wear your Paris gown and your new silk shawl. There ain't no doubt about it, babe. We'll be the best dressed in the hall.
CHORUS: I'll be down to get you in a taxi, honey. You better be ready about half past eight. Now. dearie, don't be late. I want to be there when the band starts playing. Remember when we get there, honey, The two-steps, I'm goin' to have 'em all. Goin' to dance out both my shoes When they play the "Jelly Roll Blues" Tomorrow night at the Darktown Strutters' Ball.
2. We'll meet our high-toned neighbors, An exhibition of the "Baby Dolls," And each one will do their best Just to outclass all the rest, And there'll be dancers from ev'ry foreign land. The classic, buck and wing, and the wooden clog. We'll win that fifty-dollar prize When we step out and "Walk the Dog."