From the 1897 musical “The Belle of New York”.
Words by Hugh Morton.
Music by Gustave Kerker.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. I hope I do not shock
My late converted flock
By changing to a costume
That could be described as snappy
I would not have you think
That I would ever sink
From my high state of piety
To anything clap trappy
My morals have not changed as you might guess
The only thing that's changed
Has been my dress
Refrain:
We're the ornamental, Purity Brigade
To our purity we add a little fashion
A pretty ribbon of the proper shade
Could never hinder real religious passion
'Twould not be flash on a pretty maid
When we fight we conquer viciousness and shame
Our shiny trumpets going tooth, tooty
We really do not think that we're to blame
For dressing in a style that suits our beauty
We do our duty just the same
2. Now is it not as well
To be a trifle swell?
Oh is it necessary
When you're moral to be gauky?
And must a girl employ
The modes that come from Troy?
Or is she not entitled to be
Stunningly New Yorky?
Oh, mayn't a girl be good and free from guile
And yet be quite a corker in her style?