In 1986, he was among the first batch to get inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. "Ain't That A Shame" and "Blueberry Hill" were named part of The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame's 500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll. In 2004, "Blueberry Hill" was named #81 and "Ain't That A Shame" was named #431 on Rolling Stone's Top 500 Songs Of All Time. In 2004, he was named #25 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists Of All Time.
In the wake of Domino's rescue from his 9th ward home during 2005's Hurricane Katrina, the Tipitina's Foundation organized a tribute album to the elder artist featuring Robert Plant, Norah Jones, Paul McCartney and numerous other acts that owe a creative debt to this seminal rock n roll pianist.
Darktown Strutter
Fats Domino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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"
In Fats Domino's song "Darktown Strutters' Ball," the singer is inviting his partner to attend a grand ball. The ball is supposed to be a serious affair with all the "high-browns" in attendance, and the two of them are determined to be the best dressed couple in the room. The singer is even specific about the attire they will be wearing, with him in a high silk hat and frock tailcoat, and his partner in a Paris gown and new silk shawl.
The singer wants to make sure they arrive in time for the band to start playing, and he plans to dance so much that he'll "dance out both [his] shoes." He also mentions the different kinds of dances that they'll see at the ball, including the classic, the buck and wing, and the wooden clog. Finally, the singer mentions a contest where a fifty-dollar prize will be awarded to the best dancers, and he's confident that they will be able to "outclass the rest" and take home the prize by doing the "Walk The Dog."
Overall, the song is about the anticipation and excitement of attending a grand ball, and the singer's desire to look and perform their best while they're there. It touches on themes of class, fashion, competition, and the joy of dancing with a partner.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got some good news, honey
I have great news to tell you, my love.
An invitation to the Darktown Ball
We have been invited to the Darktown Ball.
It's a very swell affair
It is a magnificent event.
All the "high-browns" will be there
All the upper-class people will attend.
I'll wear my high silk hat and frock tail coat
I will dress up in my formal attire, including my hat and coat.
You wear your Paris gown and your new silk shawl
You must wear your best Parisian gown and your new silk shawl.
There ain't no doubt about it babe
Without a doubt, my dear.
We'll be the best dressed in the hall
We will likely be the best-dressed couple in attendance.
I'll be down to get you in a taxi, honey
I will pick you up in a taxi, darling.
You better be ready about half past eight
Please be prepared by 8:30.
Now dearie, don't be late
Please, my dear, do not be tardy.
I want to be there when the band starts playing
I wish to be present when the music begins.
Remember when we get there, honey
When we arrive, my love, keep in mind
The two-steps I'm goin' to have 'em all
that I will dance the two-step and everyone will love it.
Goin' to dance out both my shoes
I will dance so hard I'll wear out my shoes.
When they play the "Jelly Roll Blues"
Particularly when they play "Jelly Roll Blues".
Tomorrow night, at the Darktown Strutter's Ball
We will attend the Darktown Strutter's Ball tomorrow evening.
We'll meet our hightoned neighbors
We will encounter our upper-class neighbors.
An exhibition of the "Baby Dolls"
There will be a display of the "Baby Dolls".
And each one will do their best
Everyone will strive to perform their best.
Just to outclass the rest
Merely to surpass the others.
And there'll be dancers from ev'ry foreign land
All sorts of dancers from other countries will be present.
The classic, buck and wing, and the wooden clog
There will be a variety of classic dances, buck and wing, and the wooden clog.
We'll win that fifty dollar prize
We will earn that fifty-dollar reward.
When we step out and "Walk The Dog"
By performing "Walk The Dog."
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SHELTON BROOKS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ola Edvard Myhre
on Put Your Arms Around Me Honey
This is NOT Fats Domino !!!!