Darktown Strutters Ball
Ella Fitzgerald and Her Famous Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Better be ready 'bout half past eight
I mean, don't be late
Be there when the band starts playin'
Remember when you get there, honey
Dance all over the floor
Dance all over my shoes
Set 'em all alight
At the darktown strutters ball
I'll be down to get you in a push cart, honey
Better be ready 'bout half past eight
I mean don't be late
Be there when the band starts playin'
'Member when you get there, honey
Shim sham wins them all
Dance all over my shoes
When the band plays the Jelly Roll's blues
Set 'em all alight
At the darktown strutters ball
The lyrics of "Darktown Strutters' Ball" by Ella Fitzgerald & The Mills Brothers evoke a lively and jovial atmosphere. The song conveys the excitement and anticipation of attending a ball where the band plays the Jelly Roll blues. The first stanza of the lyrics mention the singer picking up their partner in a taxi or push cart and having them ready by half-past eight. They urge their partner not to be late and to be there when the band starts playing.
The second stanza of the song urges the singer's partner to "dance all over the floor" and "dance all over my shoes." This line may seem strange, but it highlights the free-spirited nature of the ball, where people can have fun without worrying about stepping on each other's toes. The singer also urges their partner to "shim sham wins them all," another line that emphasizes the joyful nature of the ball. Overall, the lyrics of "Darktown Strutters' Ball" encourage having a good time, letting loose, and having fun.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll be down to get you in a taxi, honey
I will come to pick you up in a taxi, sweetheart
Better be ready 'bout half past eight
Please be ready by 8:30 PM
I mean, don't be late
I'm serious, please don't be late
Be there when the band starts playin'
Make sure you're there when the band begins to play
Remember when you get there, honey
Don't forget this when you arrive, my love
Dance all over the floor
Let loose and dance everywhere in the room
Dance all over my shoes
Dance on my shoes if you please
When the band plays the Jelly Roll blues
Dance to the music of the Jelly Roll blues being played by the band
Set 'em all alight
Ignite the atmosphere and create a lively, energetic environment
At the darktown strutters ball
At this event where people show off their best dance moves
Lyrics Š Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Shelton Brooks
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
TheHardshelledHero
This ditty alone is proof that good music stays good đ
iaas say
This one aced the test of time! đ
TheHardshelledHero
@iaas say Yes preach it :)
I recently had to create a music video as a class project using any song I liked, and I chose this song because it's just great for being so ancient
iaas say
@TheHardshelledHeroConsider yourself gifted for appreciating this as a young person while your peers are missing out. There is a world of unbelievable music from 100 years ago. It's so catchy. Try listening to Annette Hanshaw. You'll feel like you time traveled.
TheHardshelledHero
@iaas say Well thanks for introducing me to the world of hidden old-timey melodies :D
iaas say
@TheHardshelledHero my pleasure.. enjoy it, slides whistles and all. Cheers!
Sandy Coulter
Wonderful piece of history!
Dale McCamish
First time I have heard original, Love it. The only other version I have heard is Ted Mulry Gang (TMG). Ted did this a great service in the 1970's Australia.
True Son of Liberty
Our sixth grade teacher had us sing this all the time.
William Heyman
There was nothing derogatory meant about this. I am 83, and heard my father sing this in Boston. White people went down to the clubs, and they might be mainly black, but this was normal. It's a northern urban setting, so not like other places.