AT THE BALL, THAT'S ALL
From the Harlem Show "My Friend From Kentucky" (1913)
(J. Leubrie Hill)

Morton Harvey - 1914
Victor Military Band (Instr.) - 1914
Henry Mayo & Harry Tally - 1915
The Avalon Boys (feat. in the film "Way Out West") - 1937

Also recorded by:
Terry Blaine; Ian Whitcomb; Tim O'Brien; Paragon Ragtime Orch.



Listen, listen, listen at that dreamy music playing
It's reminiscent, listen what you're missing
That tune that keeps you swaying
My, but that music sounds so sweet
I just can't keep still upon my feet
'Cause my ragtime music to me is a perfect treat
Because it certainly can't be beat
When at a ball you are felling kinda blue
Listen and I'll tell you what to do

Commence advancing, commence advancing
Just start a-prancing, right and left a-glancing
A moochee dancing, slide and glide entrancing
Do the tango jiggle with a Texas Tommy wiggle
Take your partner and hold her
Lightly enfold her, a little bolder
Just work your shoulder
Snap your fingers one and all
In the hall a the ball, that's all!

Swaying, swaying, swaying right and left
Each one a-reeling
The band's a-playing, swaying, all displaying
That ragtime moochee feeling
Clouds of joy floating 'round the hall
A reign of happiness seems to fall
It is so entrancing while dancing at a ragtime ball
Because it makes a hit with all
When at a ball you feel somewhat blue
There's but one thing left for you to do

Commence advancing, commence advancing
Just start a-prancing, right and left a-glancing
A moochee dancing, slide and glide entrancing
Do the tango jiggle with a Texas Tommy wiggle
Take your partner and hold her
Lightly enfold her, a little bolder
Just work your shoulder
Snap your fingers one and all
In the hall a the ball, that's all!


(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - February 2016)