Darktown Strutters Ball
Ted Heath & His Orchestra Lyrics


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I'll be down to get you in a taxi honey
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
When the band plays the Jelly Roll blues
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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Ted Heath & His Orchestra's song "Darktown Strutters Ball" depict an invitation to a lively and vibrant dance party. The singer is urging their partner to be ready on time and not to be late, as they plan to pick them up in a taxi or push cart. The anticipation is evident in the enthusiasm to be present when the band begins playing.


Once they arrive at the Darktown Strutters Ball, the atmosphere is electrifying. The singer encourages their partner to dance with joy and energy, even on their shoes. The mention of dancing all over the floor and their shoes signifies the exuberance and freedom of expression found at the party. The band playing the "Jelly Roll blues" sets the mood, amplifying the overall excitement and encouraging everyone to join in the fun. The phrase "set 'em all alight" reinforces the idea of igniting enthusiasm and passion throughout the event.


Overall, the lyrics of "Darktown Strutters Ball" portray the anticipation, energy, and joy of attending a lively dance party, emphasizing the importance of being present and fully engaging in the exuberant atmosphere.


Line by Line Meaning

I'll be down to get you in a taxi honey
I will personally come and pick you up in a taxi, my dear


Better be ready 'bout half past eight
Make sure you are prepared around eight-thirty


I mean don't be late
It is crucial that you arrive on time


Be there when the band starts playin'
It is important to be present when the band begins to perform


Remember when you get there honey
Keep in mind once you arrive, my dear


Dance all over the floor
Move your body freely across the dance floor


Dance all over my shoes
Let your feet glide and step on my shoes while dancing


When the band plays the Jelly Roll blues
During the band's rendition of the lively Jelly Roll blues


Set 'em all alight
Ignite the atmosphere with your energetic presence


At the darktown strutters ball
In the lively gathering of fashionable people known as the darktown strutters ball


I'll be down to get you in a push cart honey
I will personally come and collect you in a small cart, my dear


Shim sham wins them all
Performing the dance technique known as shim sham impresses everyone


Dance all over my shoes
Gracefully move your feet across my footwear while dancing


When the band plays the Jelly Roll's blues
While the band plays the enchanting melodies of Jelly Roll's blues


Set 'em all alight
Infuse the atmosphere with immense joy and enthusiasm


At the darktown strutters ball
Amidst the lively gathering of stylish individuals at the darktown strutters ball




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Shelton Brooks

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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