A popular song from 1911.
Words and music by Stauffer & Erdman.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. In the land of old Japan
The home of parasol and fan
There they have a funny style of dance
An Oriental syncopated prance
Jiu jitsu from afar
Oh gee, it “Gits” you every bar
That’s the style there
On the isle of funny sunny Japan
O, O, Oriental Rag
REFRAIN
O that Oriental rag
O that gentle Oriental sentimental strain
Drives me insane
O that swinging incense Jag
Oriental Rag
2. Guess the old Mikado knew
The kind of dances that we do
For he said “Cut out that Tommy-rot
Cut out the “Grizzly Bear” and “Turkey Trot”
Stop that “Texas Tommy Swing”
This Oriental dope’s the thing
Get in line, the dancing’s fine
In funny, sunny Japan
O, O, Oriental Rag