Darktown Strutters Ball
Ella Fitzgerald and Her Savoy Eight Lyrics
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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 song Darktown Strutters' Ball is an upbeat and lively 1920s jazz tune that describes a wild night out on the town. The singer of the song is inviting their significant other to join them in the revelry, warning them not to be late as they plan to attend a dance party known as the Darktown Strutters' Ball. The name "Darktown" refers to the predominantly African-American neighborhoods and entertainment districts in many American cities during the early 20th century.
The lyrics encourage a carefree and spontaneous attitude towards dancing, urging the listener to "dance all over the floor" and even "dance all over my shoes" when the band plays. The mention of the Jelly Roll blues is a reference to a popular ragtime jazz composition by Jelly Roll Morton, who is considered one of the pioneers of jazz music. The line "Set 'em all alight" is a colloquialism that means to energize and excite the crowd with one's dancing.
The song reflects an important cultural moment in American history, as jazz music and dancing were a means of expression for African-American communities during a time of segregation and discrimination. The Darktown Strutters' Ball was a real event that took place in many cities across the United States, and this song helped to popularize it as a symbol of freedom and exuberance.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll be down to get you in a taxi honey
I will arrive in a taxi to pick you up, my dear
Better be ready 'bout half past eight
Please ensure that you are prepared by around 8:30 PM
I mean don't be late
I strongly advise you to be punctual
Be there when the band starts playin'
Please arrive before the band commences performing
Remember when you get there honey
Recall this advice when you reach the destination, my darling
Dance all over the floor
Move your body energetically and joyfully across the floor
Dance all over my shoes
Please feel free to dance upon my shoes if you so desire
When the band plays the Jelly Roll blues
This is the moment when the band will perform the Jelly Roll blues musical composition
Set 'em all alight
This music is so good, it will ignite the souls of everyone listening
At the darktown strutters ball
This event is the Darktown Strutters Ball, where we shall enjoy an evening of dancing and celebration
I'll be down to get you in a push cart honey
I will come to retrieve you in a humble push cart, my dear
Shim sham wins them all
The dance move known as Shim Sham is so marvelous, it will capture everyone's attention and admiration
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Shelton Brooks
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind