Stumbling
Zez Confrey Lyrics
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This is one on me
Took my gal to a dance
At the armory
Music played, dancers swayed
Then we joined the crowd
I can′t dance, took a chance
And right then we started
Stumbling all around so funny
Stumbling here and there, stumbling everywhere
And I must declare, I stepped right on her toes
And when she bumped my nose
I fell and when I rose
I felt ashamed and told her
That's the latest step, that′s the latest step
That's the latest step, my honey
Notice all the pep, notice all the pep, notice all the pep
She said, "Stop mumbling, tho you are stumbling
I like it just a little bit, just a little bit, quite a little bit"
Young and small short and tall
Folks most everywhere
Take a chance do this dance
They think it's a bear
People rave and they crave
Just to do this step
Off they go, nice and slow
When the band starts playing
Stumbling all around, stumbling all around
Stumbling all around so funny
Stumbling here and there, stumbling everywhere
And I must declare, I stepped right on her toes
And when she bumped my nose
I fell and when I rose
I felt ashamed and told her
That′s the latest step, that′s the latest step
That's the latest step, my honey
Notice all the pep, notice all the pep, notice all the pep
She said, "Stop mumbling, tho you are stumbling
I like it just a little bit, just a little bit, quite a little bit"
The lyrics to Zez Confrey's "Stumbling" tell a story of a man who takes his girlfriend to a dance at the armory, but he can't dance. He takes a chance and starts stumbling around the dance floor. He steps on his girlfriend's toes and she bumps his nose, but they end up laughing together. They call their style "the latest step" and other people join in the fun, stumbling all around the dance floor.
The lyrics showcase the lighthearted and fun aspect of dancing, and how it doesn't need to be perfect, as long as you're having a good time. It's about letting go of inhibitions, taking chances and having fun. Despite the man's embarrassment at first, he ends up embracing his own unique style of dancing and it is enjoyed by others as well.
The lyrics also showcase the popularity of dancing in the 1920s, where people would attend dances regularly and try out new dance styles. The armory was a popular venue for dances, especially in smaller towns.
Overall, the message of the song is to embrace your individuality and have fun, even if you're not the best at something. It's also a nostalgic nod to the dancing culture of the 1920s.
Line by Line Meaning
Tention folks, speak of jokes
Attention everyone, listen to a funny story
This is one on me
I'm the one who made the mistake in this story
Took my gal to a dance
I invited my girlfriend to go dancing with me
At the armory
The dance was held at the armory
Music played, dancers swayed
The music began and everyone started dancing
Then we joined the crowd
My girlfriend and I went onto the dance floor with everyone else
I can′t dance, took a chance
I don't know how to dance, but I tried anyways
And right then we started stumbling all around
As soon as we started dancing, we began to stumble and make mistakes
Stumbling all around so funny
Our stumbling was funny and entertaining to others
Stumbling here and there, stumbling everywhere
We were stumbling all over the dance floor
And I must declare, I stepped right on her toes
I accidentally stepped on my girlfriend's toes
And when she bumped my nose, I fell and when I rose
My girlfriend accidentally bumped into me which caused me to fall and then get up
I felt ashamed and told her that's the latest step
I felt embarrassed and tried to play off our mistakes as a new dance move
Notice all the pep, she said, "Stop mumbling, tho you are stumbling
My girlfriend noticed my positive attitude despite our mistakes and encouraged me to keep going
I like it just a little bit, just a little bit, quite a little bit"
My girlfriend enjoyed our stumbling dance and thought it was cute and funny
Young and small short and tall, folks most everywhere
People of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds enjoy this dance
Take a chance do this dance, they think it's a bear
People are willing to take a chance on this dance, even though it can be difficult
People rave and they crave just to do this step
People love this dance and really want to master the steps
Off they go, nice and slow when the band starts playing
Once the music starts, people start dancing slowly and carefully
That's the latest step, my honey
I'm still trying to play off our mistakes as the latest dance move
Notice all the pep, she said, "Stop mumbling, tho you are stumbling
My girlfriend noticed my positive attitude despite our mistakes and encouraged me to keep going
I like it just a little bit, just a little bit, quite a little bit"
My girlfriend enjoyed our stumbling dance and thought it was cute and funny
Writer(s): Ian Whitcomb, Zez Confrey
Contributed by Leo M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@gnirolnamlerf593
I had never heard this piano version before. Tony Randall sang it on his album "Warm and Wavery" and the lyrics are so cute. Here are some of them:
Stumbling all around, stumbling all around
Stumbling all around so funny
Stumbling here and there, stumbling everywhere
And I must declare, I stepped right on her toes
And when she bumped my nose
I fell and when I rose
I felt ashamed and told her
That's the latest step, that's the latest step
That's the latest step, my honey
Notice all the pep, notice all the pep, notice all the pep
She said, "Stop mumbling, tho you are stumbling
I like it just a little bit, just a little bit, quite a little bit"
This is a brilliant performance. Beautifully reproduced on the piano roll.
@jchakulski9777
Took me fifty years to discover this, but my grandfather used to play this on the piano. He had his own band in the 1930s and later in life played random tunes. Very nostalgic remembering him as I hear this.
@gnirolnamlerf593
I had never heard this piano version before. Tony Randall sang it on his album "Warm and Wavery" and the lyrics are so cute. Here are some of them:
Stumbling all around, stumbling all around
Stumbling all around so funny
Stumbling here and there, stumbling everywhere
And I must declare, I stepped right on her toes
And when she bumped my nose
I fell and when I rose
I felt ashamed and told her
That's the latest step, that's the latest step
That's the latest step, my honey
Notice all the pep, notice all the pep, notice all the pep
She said, "Stop mumbling, tho you are stumbling
I like it just a little bit, just a little bit, quite a little bit"
This is a brilliant performance. Beautifully reproduced on the piano roll.
@daveluttinen2547
I never knew the name of this piece until today! Fabulous transcription! Thanks!
@markwalter1050
The Captain Chesapeake Theme.... Been decades since I last heard it! 😊 Thanks for posting!
@MsSoundguy
Excellent transcription.
@rodolforavissant7663
Very Nice done ! Merci Bien !
@KarolaTea
Sounds great! :D Thank you!
@markrymanowski719
200 views in 4 years!!!!!
This is a fantastic piano piece.
Ears of tin.
@tango_doggy
great!
@wishfullthinkn6837
This is a fun song to sing.