The Darktown Strutters Ball
Joe Lyrics
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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 tear my blue suede shoes
When they play the "Jelly Roll Blues"
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 tear my blue suede shoes
When they play the "Jelly Roll Blues"
Tomorrow night, at the Darktown Strutter's Ball
Joe Brown's song "Darktown Strutters Ball" is about the anticipation of attending a party. The lyrics begin with a man promising to pick up his date in a taxi at half-past eight. He urges her not to be late, as he wants to be there when the band starts playing. He tells her that when they arrive, he plans to dance the two-step with everyone and "tear" his blue suede shoes when the band plays the "Jelly Roll Blues." The lyrics reflect the excitement of attending a fun and lively event with friends and loved ones.
This song was written in 1917 by Shelton Brooks, an African-American composer and performer, and has become a popular jazz standard. Joe Brown's version was released in 1961 and was his first hit single. The song has been recorded by a wide range of musicians, including Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Benny Goodman.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll be down to get you in a taxi, honey
I will come to your place by taxi to pick you up, honey.
You better be ready about half past eight
You should be ready to leave by 8:30 PM.
Now dearie, don't be late
Please don't be late, my dear.
I want to be there when the band starts playing
I would like to be present at the start of the band's performance.
Remember when we get there, honey
Don't forget, when we reach there, honey.
The two-steps I'm goin' to have 'em all
Everyone will dance to the two-steps that I will dance.
Goin' to tear my blue suede shoes
My blue suede shoes will be ruined due to dancing too much.
When they play the "Jelly Roll Blues"
I will tear my blue suede shoes when the band plays the "Jelly Roll Blues".
Tomorrow night, at the Darktown Strutter's Ball
This is going to happen tomorrow night at the Darktown Strutter's Ball.
Lyrics Ā© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Shelton Brooks
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@colintapp4876
I remember seeing him with Johnny Kidd at the Granada East Ham in the early 60's and for some reason he would shout "Brown Bread" in the middle of a song.
@dizzy56
"Hobnail boots" šā¤
@flyingmerkel6
This song is way better than it has a right to be. He's the real deal
@MichaelLantz
This song was part of The Beatles 1960 set according to The 1986 Mark Lewisholn book "The Beatles LIve"
@Nutstrangler
Cheers, Sid...that's brilliant ! Have ahappy New Year and keep posting these great sounds. Slainthe M'hath !
@neilgallagher9832
Luv da bruvas
@aaronjwoolley
if that's a kick drum you hear prominently - guy must have been exhausted at the end of this recording
Gotta love the last chord - tagged on from a different take - great stuff.
@garethbramley1
Nice twangy stuff.
@Sids60sSounds
@Nutstrangler No fear, Nuts. Swagger's all lined up to be posted!
@Nutstrangler
Excellent ! this was one of the first records that I bought when I got my Dansette record player for my birthday. Do you by any chance have the flip side? IIRC it was an instrumental called "Swagger", and its end was someone, probably Joe, saying, "Watch out, bruvver, here comes old "Shovel Feet".