The Ragtime Dance
by Scott Joplin

Introduction: I attened a ball last thursday night, Given by the dark town swells...
Ev'ry coon came out in full dress alright , And the girls were society belles...
The hall was illuminated by electric lights, It certainly was a sight to see;
So many colored folks there without a razor fight... 'Twas a great surprise to me.

Interlude: There was little Sam' Smith the great "lady's man",
Who had the honor of being manager of the floor...
Told the people to get ready for the time is near at hand,
And the dance begins at nine o'clock you know.
Then the orchestra began to play the sweet entrancing music
Of the most popular dance of the day.
Ev'ry couple took their places all the coons had smiling faces
While they waited for the caller to say, well;

Verse A1: Let me see you do the "ragtime dance"
Turn left and do the "Cake walk prance"...
Turn the other way and do the "Slow drag"
Now take your lady to the worlds fair and do the "ragtime dance."

Verse A2: Let me see you do the "clean up dance"
Now you do the "Jennie Cooler dance"
Turn the other way and do the "Slow drag"
Now take your lady to the worlds fair and do the "ragtime dance."

Verse B1: Now "rag" and "circle to your left", Be careful to do your best.
Take your time, stay in line, you are the ragtime guest.
Take partners do the "rag two step", I know you are enjoying yourselves
You are representatives of dark town's wealth. Stop where you are!

Verse B2: Ev'rybody now "form a line", Dance nothing but the real ragtime.
Do your best, "forward four steps", you are all very fine.
Let me see you do the "back step prance", Be graceful at ev'ry chance.
You are now enjoying the "ragtime dance". Ev'ry body sing.

Verse C1: "Cake walk" soft and sweetly, be sure your steps done neatly.
Keep up a slow advance, 'twill put you in a trance.
Now "form a line" as you did before, you're dancing with your best beau,
But the only real thing is the "ragtime dance". Ev'rybody turn;

Verse C2: To your right do the "dude walk", 'tis a wonderful sight is the "town talk",
This is your only chance, enjoy it while you can.
Now "form a perfect straight line", get ready for the "Stop time"
You are the "easy winners" in the ragtime dance.

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Thanks to (Sarah Beckham) for correcting these lyrics. Jul 3, 2008