The Real American Folk Song (Is a Rag)

Near Barcelona, The Peasant Crooned

The Old Traditional Spanish Tunes

The Neapolitan Street Song Sighs

You Think Of Italian Skys

Each Nation Has A Creative Vein

Originating A Native Strain

With Folk Songs Plaintive And Others Gay

In Their Own Peculiar Way

American Folk Songs, I Feel

Have A Much Stronger Appeal

The Real American Folksong Is A Rag

A Mental Jag

A Rhythmic Tonic For The Chronic Blues

The Critics Called It A Joke Song But Now

They've Changed Their Tune, And They Like It, Somehow

For It's Innoculated With A Syncopated Sort Of Meter, Sweeter

Than A Classic Strain,

Boy You Can't Remain, Still Or Quiet, For It's A Riot

The Real American Folksong

Is Like A Fountain Of Youth

You Taste, And It Elates You, And Then, Invigorates You

The Real American Folksong, The Masses Coaxed On, Is A Rag

(Instrumental Break)

The Real American Folksong Is A Rag

A Mental Jag

A Rhythmic Tonic For The Chronic Blues

The Critics Called It A Joke Song But Now

They've Changed Their Tune, And They Like It, Somehow

For It's Innoculated With A Syncopated Sort Of Meter, Sweeter

Than A Classic Strain,

Boy You Can't Remain, Still Or Quiet, For It's A Riot

The Real American Folksong

Is Like A Fountain Of Youth

You Taste, And It Elates You, And Then, Invigorates You

The Real American Folksong, Is A Rag