The Shell-shock Shake

This piece of ragtime music satirizes the stereotypic movements of those diagnosed with shellshock. For voice and piano.

The lyrics of this musical arrangement reads thus:

Verse 1:
Over there, somewhere in France, our boys have learned a brand-new dance
everybody gets a thrill, shells start to bursting, you can't sit still-
Dance that causes minds to roam- the question answered just why girls leave home
Now if you give me half a chance, I'm going to tell you 'bout this dance so pretty.

Chorus:
First you start to prancing right and left a-glancing
Grab a gal, don't be a-fraid Just pop wide open like a hand grenade
Feel your nerves a-jumping head begins thumping
Curl up like a rattlesnake and dance the ever-loving shell-shock shake.
Just strut your stuff and dance the shell-shock shake.

Verse 2:
Since this dance has hit the town It made a preacher lay his bible down
everybody large and small started to dancing can't stop at all
It clings it makes you crave and wish and shakes your shoulders like a jellyfish Now
come little children unto me, I have a tale I'll tell to thee, some story.

Chorus:
First you start to prancing right and left a-glancing
Grab a gal, don't be a-fraid Just pop wide open like a hand grenade
Feel your nerves a-jumping head begins thumping
Curl up like a rattlesnake and dance the ever-loving shell-shock shake.
Just strut your stuff and dance the shell-shock shake.