Sheet Music, 1910-1919

Preview

image preview

Files

Download

Download Full Text (845 KB)

ISBN

MUM00682, 0345

Description

Cover: caricature drawing of African American couples dancing, photo inset of Ben Davis; Publisher: Leo Feist Inc. (New York)

Subject Headings (Library of Congress)

Songs -- United States -- 20th Century; Popular Music -- United States

Relational Format

music score

Original Format

scores

Original Collection

Sheldon Harris Collection (MUM00682), Archives and Special Collections, University of Mississippi Libraries

Lyrics

Lyrics:
First verse
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. 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.
Second verse
We'll meet our high-toned heighbors, An exhibition of the Baby Dolls, And each one will do their best, Just to out-class all the rest, And there'll be dancers from ev'ry foreign land, The classie, buck and wing, and the wooden clog: We'll win that fifty dollar prize, When we step out and Walk the Dog.
(Chorus)

Content Disclaimer

Some of the images and language that appear in the digital collections depict prejudices that are not condoned by the University of Mississippi. This content is being presented as historical documentation to aid in the understanding of both American history and the history of the University of Mississippi. The University Creed speaks to our current deeply held values, and the availability of this content should not be taken as an endorsement of previous attitudes or behavior.

The Darktown Strutters' Ball / words by Shelton Brooks

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.