Darktown Strutters Ball
Chet Atkins Lyrics


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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 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

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 Strutter's Ball

We'll meet our hightoned neighbors
An exhibition of the "Baby Dolls"
And each one will do their best
Just to outclass 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"

Overall Meaning

In Chet Atkins's song Darktown Strutters Ball, the singer is inviting their lover to a ball where they will be the most well-dressed couple in attendance. They describe the affair as "swell" and note that all of the "high-browns" will be there. The singer and their lover are both going to be dressed in their finest attire with the singer wearing a high silk hat and frock tail coat and their lover wearing a Paris gown and new silk shawl. The singer is excited to dance and mentions a specific song, "Jelly Roll Blues," that they will dance to and even jokes about dancing so hard that they will "dance out both my shoes." They plan on winning a $50 prize by showcasing their dance skills, specifically the "Walk the Dog" move.


The song appears to be set in the early part of the 20th century and is likely referencing the Darktown Strutters' Ball, an actual event that took place in the US during the 1910s and 20s. The Darktown Strutters' Ball was a ballroom dance popular in African American communities in the southern US. The song shows how excited the singer is to attend this event, which was a momentous occasion for African Americans during the time period in which it took place. It's a celebration of black culture and a testament to the strength, resilience, and creativity of the community.


Line by Line Meaning

I've got some good news, honey
I have exciting news to share with you, my dear


An invitation to the Darktown Ball
We're invited to the prestigious and extravagant Darktown Ball


It's a very swell affair
The event is of high class and quality


All the "high-browns" will be there
The most elite and sophisticated people will be attending


I'll wear my high silk hat and frock tail coat
I'll dress in formal attire with my top hat and tailcoat


You wear your Paris gown and your new silk shawl
You should wear your stunning Parisian dress and your luxurious silk shawl


There ain't no doubt about it babe
There's absolutely no question that we'll be the most elegantly dressed couple in the room


We'll be the best dressed in the hall
Our clothes will stand out and impress everyone at the event


I'll be down to get you in a taxi, honey
I'll make sure I'm there to pick you up in a taxi, my love


You better be ready about half past eight
Please ensure that you're ready by 8:30 PM, darling


Now dearie, don't be late
I truly hope that you won't be tardy, my dearest


I want to be there when the band starts playing
I wish to arrive early when the music begins


Remember when we get there, honey
Please remember this important point once we arrive, my love


The two-steps I'm goin' to have 'em all
I have planned out a number of dance moves that I'll execute flawlessly


Goin' to dance out both my shoes
I'll dance so much that I'll wear out the soles of my shoes


When they play the "Jelly Roll Blues"
I'm eagerly waiting for the song "Jelly Roll Blues" to play


Tomorrow night, at the Darktown Strutter's Ball
This exciting event will take place tomorrow night at the Darktown Strutter's Ball


We'll meet our hightoned neighbors
We'll socialize and interact with our wealthy and affluent neighbors


An exhibition of the "Baby Dolls"
We'll witness a display of talented and beautiful female performers


And each one will do their best
Each performer will strive to outdo the others with their skills and abilities


Just to outclass the rest
All the performers seek to prove their superiority and outshine their competition


And there'll be dancers from ev'ry foreign land
We'll witness and appreciate diverse dance styles and cultures from around the world


The classic, buck and wing, and the wooden clog
We'll see various traditional dance forms such as the classic, the buck and wing, and the wooden clog


We'll win that fifty dollar prize
We have a shot at winning a cash prize of $50


When we step out and "Walk The Dog"
If we execute our dance moves well, we can wow the audience and judges with our performance of the popular dance move "Walk The Dog"




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Shelton Brooks

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

john wesley

GREAT GUITAR DUET RARE HARD TO FIND

bjthedj82

love the combo. great.

Angus Arsenault

A stunner... perfect.. Chet always brought out the best in whoever he was playing with. And when that someone was Hank Snow it's as good as it got .

Flatfoot2282

Wow!! Thanks for posting this. Very much enjoyed !!

GENA KEITH

Youre very welcome,Keith

Jimmy Riley

Please Comment and Rate Thank You

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