Darktown Strutters Ball
Merle Travis Lyrics
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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
[Chorus]
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"
[Chorus]
The song Darktown Strutters' Ball by Merle Travis is an invitation to a ball taking place in the African American neighborhood of Darktown. The singer is inviting his lover to join him at the ball and encouraging her to dress in her finest clothes. The ball is described as a very elite affair, attended by the "high-browns" of society. The singer sets the expectation that they will be the best dressed couple there. The ball will feature a number of unique dance styles including classic, buck and wing, wooden clog, and the two-step. The singer is excited to dance the night away, declaring that he will "dance out both my shoes" when they play the “Jelly Roll Blues.” At the end of the song, the singer mentions an exhibit of "Baby Dolls" and the possibility of winning a prize if they "Walk The Dog."
One interpretation of the song is that it is an example of the "coon song" genre from the early 20th century. In this genre, African Americans were often depicted as comical or caricatured. The song presents an idealized version of African American life, where they are able to dress in their finest clothes, attend elite events, and dance with their lovers. Even the title "Darktown Strutters' Ball" evokes a certain nostalgia for a time when segregation was the norm and African Americans had to create their own spaces and events.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got some good news, honey
I have exciting news to share with you, my love.
An invitation to the Darktown Ball
We are invited to attend the Darktown Ball.
It's a very swell affair
It is a wonderful and high-class event.
All the 'high-browns' will be there
Many upscale and sophisticated people will be attending.
I'll wear my high silk hat and frock tail coat
I will be dressed very elegantly with my top hat and coat tails.
You wear your Paris gown and your new silk shawl
You should wear your beautiful Parisian dress and silk shawl.
There ain't no doubt about it babe
There is no question that we will be the best-dressed couple there.
We'll be the best dressed in the hall
We are confident that our attire will stand out among the crowd.
I'll be down to get you in a taxi, honey
I will come pick you up in a taxi, my dear.
You better be ready about half past eight
Please be ready at around 8:30 PM.
Now dearie, don't be late
Please don't be late, my love.
I want to be there when the band starts playing
I would like to be present when the music begins.
Remember when we get there, honey
Just a reminder that when we arrive, my dear,
The two-steps I'm goin' to have 'em all
I plan to show off my two-step dance moves and impress everyone.
Goin' to dance out both my shoes
I intend to dance so much that I will dance right out of my shoes.
When they play the 'Jelly Roll Blues'
Specifically, I am looking forward to dancing to the 'Jelly Roll Blues.'
Tomorrow night, at the Darktown Strutter's Ball
All of this will take place tomorrow night, at the Darktown Strutter's Ball.
We'll meet our hightoned neighbors
We will encounter our affluent or high-class neighbors.
An exhibition of the 'Baby Dolls'
We will witness an exhibition of the 'Baby Dolls.'
And each one will do their best
Each participant will strive to do their absolute best.
Just to outclass the rest
Their aim is to surpass the other contestants in style or class.
And there'll be dancers from ev'ry foreign land
Furthermore, there will be participants from various nations worldwide.
The classic, buck and wing, and the wooden clog
These dancers will perform classic, buck and wing, and wooden clog dances.
We'll win that fifty dollar prize
By demonstrating our exceptional dancing skills, we will obtain the $50 prize money.
When we step out and 'Walk The Dog'
More specifically, when we perform the 'Walk The Dog' dance.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Shelton Brooks
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind