[Verse 1] The white folks gave a dance one night, Way down in Tennessee, To learn the famous Tango Rag and steps from o’er the sea. The orchestra began to play a tune that sounded tame, When someone, in the crowd yelled out, “For Law’s sake, stop that strain, And send for Johnson’s band, A truly band what am, They don’t need notes, it’s in their throats Out to their feet and hands.”
[Chorus] Hear that cornet talking, Hear that trombone snorting, As the band is getting under way. Leader Johnson’s lying in her chair, Horn in the air, Don’t seem to care, Oh such harmony you never heard before! A slippry feeling comes a stealing When those notes, they come a pealing From that Bandana Band, Way down in Dixieland.
[Verse 2] The white folk’s feet began to move, They all began to sway. Old Johnson sure was on the job with his big band that day. He filled them full of “Nigger Gin” to bring forth harmony, And Wagner’s celebrated tunes ne’er held such melody. The band was there for test. There was no time to rest; They closed their eyes and hypnotized the notes to do their best.
[Chorus
