Cab Calloway — The Man From Harlem

It was up at Mike's the other night There was really quite a sight Gather round, folks, while I give you all the lowdown Tables were filled with gaudy frails Chewing on their fingernails; They were waiting for the man from Harlem Drinks were served six bits a throw Things were moving kind of slow Everybody's nerves were getting jumpy All at once the room was still Men forgot all about their bill Who should enter but the man from Harlem Everybody rolled their eyes Women starting heaving sighs Someone hollered, "Music, lights and gin," Everybody cleared a space They had big, broad smiles on every face How they all loved to see the man from Harlem When he started in to step He filled everyone with plenty pep He twitched and squirmed; it just was a dirty shame Everyone was in a daze Women watched him with amaze Each one said she'd have the man from Harlem He looked over in the corner And saw a couple of frails and they sure did look kinda low Another cat walked up, and said to the man from Harlem "Go over there and see what's the matter with them girls." And they said, "I'm kinda low." And he said, "I've got just what you need: Come on, sisters, light up on these weeds and get high and forget about everything."