Darktown Strutter's Ball
Chick Webb's Savoy Orchestra Lyrics

The lyrics of Chick Webb's song "Darktown Strutters Ball" paint a vivid picture of a night of dancing and revelry in a lively, bustling city known as Darktown. The singer promises to pick up his partner in a taxi or pushcart at half past eight, urging them not to be late to the party. Once they arrive, he implores his partner to dance all over the floor, even on his shoes, as the band plays the Jelly Roll blues. The energy of the music and the dancing sets the scene alight, creating a joyful and celebratory atmosphere.

The song captures the spirit of the 1920s, a time when jazz music and dance were at the forefront of cultural expression. Darktown Strutters Ball was a popular song during this time and was frequently played by jazz musicians. It has been covered by various artists throughout the years, including the Ink Spots, Louis Armstrong, and Fats Waller. The song's historical significance is not merely in its popularity but also in what it represented. The song was one of the first songs in popular music to depict and celebrate the Black culture of America. Despite this, the conservative white radio stations at the time hesitated to air Black music, which almost kept Darktown Strutters Ball from failing to chart. Thankfully, dance halls picked up the tune, and it became hugely successful.