From the “MUSIC BOX REVUE,” 1921. Words and Music by Irving Berlin. Cover Art by William Bòlin. Copyright ©6 Oct 1921. Sheet Music from the collection of Michael Deatz.
Sheet Music
Accompaniment
Lyrics
Years ago, when I was just a wee little thing
A man never squeezed a girl ’till she got the ring
They were both engaged before the boy took a chance
But now all he has to do is ask her to dance
Refrain
They call it dancing, you see them cuddled up tight
They’re only dancing, so ev’rything is all right
Until the midnight cabaret closes
You can see he and she rubbing noses
She calls him “Mister” they’re only friends it appears
And then he’ll twist her like they’ve been married for years
A man can squeeze all the she’s with his arms and his knees
And they call it dancing, that’s all
Refrain
They call it dancing, you see them cuddled up tight
They’re only dancing, so ev’rything is all right
Until the midnight cabaret closes
You can see he and she rubbing noses
If it’s a ballroom she doesn’t mind his embrace
But in a hallroom she’d slap him right in the face
A man can grab someone’s wife, have the time of his life
And they call it dancing, that’s all