From Ziegfeld’s Midnight Frolics, 1915
Words and music by Cecil Mack and Chris Smith
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. Joe Madoza, the black composer
Wrote a novelty in a way
It was a musical play
Full of comedy and funny situations
Sallie Skiplong sang the hit song
Sang the very dickens out of it, too
It had a melody that sounded good to me
Listen and I’ll sing it to you
CHORUS
There ain’t nothin’ to it but the harmony
There ain’t nothin’ to it but the melody
But when you hear it, you’ll declare
“Gee it’s rippin’, it’s a pippin, it’s wonderful air
There ain’t no sense to the dog-gone thing
In the middle of the Chorus all you do is sing
Scaddle-de-mooch, Deedle-ee
Scaddle-de-mooch, Deedle-um
Scaddle-de-mooch, Scaddle-de-mooch
Deedle-ee Bim Bum
You see there ain’t nothin’ to it but you’ll agree
It’s a mighty fine melody
2. Mister Mooser, the big producer
Thought the song would fit in his show
He sent a letter to Joe
And requested him to come down and play it
Joe said, “Scuse me” Boss don’t ‘buse me
Guess I’m going crazy as any loon
Now ’bout that song you’ve heard
I’se forgot every word
But I’ll try to hum you the tune