I’ve Got the Shimmee Blues

a popular song from 1919
words and music by Harry De Costa


The sheet music:


Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:


Lyrics

  1. Look at me and you’ll see
    Somebody who’s as blue as blue can be
    It’s all because they passed a certain law
    That says you cannot “Shimme” any more
    Cannot eat, never sleep
    The only thing I want to do is weep
    Went to see my M. D.
    But he couldn’t do a blessed thing for me

Chorus
‘Cause I’ve got an awful case of “Shimee” Blues
Ever since the day I heard the awful news
And just because some did the “Shimme” rough
I’ve got to suffer, Gee! it’s mighty tough
When I hear a “Shimme” tune I want to dance
But, I’m scared to death to even take a chance
I went and packed away my dancing shoes
I’ve got the “Shimmee” blues

  1. I was gay till the day
    They went and took the “Shimme” dance away
    I never cared to “Trot” or “Ball the Jack”
    That’s why I pray the “Shimme” will come back
    It was great, up to date
    Oh! how I miss it and I want to state
    That’s why I sigh and cry
    If I can’t forget it, I will surely die

Sung here by Laurence Rubenstein: