Darktown Strutters Ball
Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Lyrics

The lyrics of Benny Goodman and His Orchestra's "Darktown Strutters' Ball" are about a couple planning to attend a party, the Darktown Strutters' Ball, one of the most important African American social events of the early 20th century. The first stanza encourages the woman to be ready by 8:30 because the event's band will start playing at that time. However, the singer warns that the woman should not be late because he will be coming to pick her up in a taxi or even in a pushcart if necessary. The woman is urged to dance to the band's music and to dance all over the place, including the singer's shoes. He then highlights the Jelly Roll blues, a swing and blues style mostly related to the New Orleans jazz scene. When the band plays Jelly Roll blues, he asks her to set the place on fire with her dancing.

The second stanza reminds the woman to remember what the singer told her, advising her to do the Shim Sham. The Shim Sham is a tap dance from the early 20th century that was popularized by African American tap dancers. It is recommended that she dance all over the singer's shoes again when the band plays the Jelly Roll's blues, setting things alight once more at the Darktown Strutters' Ball. In general, the song conveys enthusiasm and excitement about the Darktown Strutters' Ball dance party, and the lyrics encourage the audience to be in the moment and enjoy themselves.