Darktown Strutters Ball (1917)

Details

Description

[Disclaimer: This song was written by a black man named Shelton Brooks, based on real-life events that took place in Chicago. Read further down in the description for more information.]

Lyrics:

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 every 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"

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A great dance party song written by a black songwriter.

Here's a bit about this song from the book America's Songs II written by Michael Lasser: "There was such a ball every year in Chicago. The prostitutes would wear elegant gowns and the pimps turned out in white tie, spats, and top hats. ... Brooks ... told where the song came from and how he transformed a story he heard into the song: "Now I heard about this working man ... He gets an invitation to an affair to be given by the local pimps. A Big Ball. All a mistake and he should never have been asked." The song turns the pimps into the vaguer "strutters" to make the evening more universal in its appeal.

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words and music by Shelton Brooks
published by Leo. Feist Inc., New York

sung by sheet music singer Fred Feild
tempo = 140 bpm, moderato

Get the sheet music and MIDI at:
https://sheetmusicsinger.com/highbrownsongs/darktown-strutters-ball/