Oriental Swing

Transcribed from Lil Hardin Armstrong and Her Swing Orchestra, recorded February 2, 1938.
From Lil Hardin Armstrong and Her Swing Orchestra, 1936-1940, Chronological Classics, vol. 564.

Now, Arab sheiks on the burning sands,
Come into their harems and clap their hands,
Said, "Come on, girls, are you ready to play?
Let's have a little more of that swingin' today."

Now, geisha girls in old Japan,
Wink behind their peacock fans,
Since they learned to say, "Yeah!
Let's swing it like Amelican's swing swing dance!"

Now, in the land of Fu Manchu,
The girls all now do the Suzie-Q,
Clap their hands in the center of the floor,
Saying, "Ching, ching, chop-suey, swing some more!"

Now, Gypsy caravans have changed their mode,
They truck down the Romany road,
With their hi-de-hos, and their hey-hey-diddle,
Doin' the swing on the Gypsy fiddle.

Them eastern wisemen know the story,
Of the swing with Oriental glory,
They stroke their beards and grin,
Sayin', "Swing, little children, till the dawn comes in!"

Published 12/1/00.

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