Johnson Rag
Russ Morgan & His Orchestra Lyrics

Johnson Flood Mississippi
This line refers to the aftermath of the Johnson Flood in Mississippi, which was caused by the overflow of the Mississippi River. The flooding led to the mud and black bottom which is being referred to in the next line.

Mud Black Bottom I got 'em
The songwriter is expressing the bluesy feeling that comes with seeing the mud and black bottom left over from the flood.

Lindy Hop Chop chop chop
This line references the Lindy Hop dance style, with the 'chop chop chop' being a reference to the sharp movements of the dance.

Ch-ch-ch Charlotte Russe Turn on the juice
The Charlotte Russe is a dessert, and 'turn on the juice' could be interpreted as adding flavor or excitement to something. Taken together, this line is expressing a call to add some excitement to the dance.

Hep Hep there goes the Johnson Rag
This line is a call-to-action to start dancing the Johnson Rag.

Hoy Hoy there goes the latest shag
The 'latest shag' refers to a popular dance of the time. The line is expressing the idea that the Johnson Rag is the latest and greatest dance to hit the scene.

Ho Ho it really isn't a gag
The songwriter is stating that the Johnson Rag is no joke, and is a serious contender for the 'best dance of the moment.'

Jump Jump don't let your left foot drag
This line is encouraging dancers to stay light on their feet and not get bogged down by dragging their left foot.

Jeep Jeep it's like a game of tag
The comparison to a game of tag suggests that the Johnson Rag is a fun, playful dance.

Juke Juke it's even good for a stag
A 'stag' dance is one where there are more men than women. This line is expressing the idea that the Johnson Rag is still a great dance even when there are more men than women.

Jump jump and do the Johnson Rag
This is another call-to-action to start dancing the Johnson Rag.

If your feelin' in the groove
This line is setting the stage for the next few lines, which discuss the joyful feeling of being engrossed in the dance.

It sends you out of the world
This line expresses the way that being deeply engaged with the dance can transport you to a different place.

Funny how it makes you move
The songwriter is marveling at the way that the music and dance can make people move in unexpected ways.

I don't wanna coax
This line expresses the idea that the songwriter doesn't want to force anyone to dance, but they are strongly encouraging it.

But don't be a "Mokes"
A 'Mokes' is a derogatory term used to refer to someone who doesn't know how to dance. The songwriter is encouraging people to get up and dance even if they don't consider themselves to be good dancers.

Zig Zig Then add a Zig Zig Zag
This line is providing some instructions for the dance steps, encouraging dancers to incorporate zig-zags into their movements.

Zoop Zoop just let your shoulders wag
The line is instructing dancers to loosen up and move their shoulders with the music.

Zoom Zoom and now it's right in the bag
This is another instruction for the dance steps, encouraging dancers to finish with a flourish and a sense of accomplishment.

Get hep And get happy with the Johnson Rag
This line is a final call-to-action, encouraging people to embrace the Johnson Rag as a way to get hep (cool) and happy through dancing.