Ballin’ the Jack lyrics, music by Chris Smith, lyrics by Jim Burris
Ballin’ the Jack is oddly popular in films. It’s been performed by Gene Kelly and Judy Garland in For Me and My Gal, by Dean Martin and Polly Bergen in That’s My Boy, by Danny Kaye in On the Riviera and on his album, Entertainer Extraordinary, sung by Gilda Radner and Dom Deluise (in drag!) in Haunted Honeymoon.
From coast to coast, from Canada to Mexico
They’re doing a new dance, the tried and true dance,
Yes, it will sweep the land, and you’ll think it’s so grand
You’ll have to learn how to do it, so please don’t poo poo it
‘Cause we got this little dance, it’s gonna rise to fame
It’s sure to put most any other dance to shame
The Turkey Trot, the Bunny Hug, the Tickly Toe
Will be forgotten when we start to go
Mr. Leader, won’t you start the syncopation
And we’ll begin our little demonstration
Now, first, you put your two knees close up tight
Then you sway ’em to the left, and you sway ’em to the right
Step around the floor kinda nice and light
Then you twist around and twist around with all of your might
Stretch your lovin’ arms straight out in space
Then you do the Eagle Rock with style and grace
Swing your foot way ’round and bring it back
Now that’s what I call Ballin’ the Jack