I've seen for days that you've got
The ways that must be checked
In you I never can detect
The slightest signs of intellectYou're mad on dances, think of the chances you neglect
You never seem inclined to use your mind
And it's quite plain to see
That I'm the brains of the familyTake a lesson from meI'd rather CharlestonCharleston?Think of what you might beI'd rather CharlestonCharleston?I'm disappointed in you and your waysI'm double-jointedThere's no sensation like syncopationWill you let me know whyI'd rather CharlestonCharleston?That's the sort of thing I would never doSo, just leave it behind and give your mind to something newI'd rather CharlestonOh noCharleston, Charleston with youYour way of living soon will soon be giving me a pain
You just repeat that same refrain
You use your feet and not your brainSomething has got you
I don't know what you hope to gain
And after all I've done
It's not much fun to have to have a sister who's
Got her brain in her dancing shoesSo, take a lesson from meI'd rather CharlestonCharleston?When you're older you'll seeI'd rather CharlestonCharleston?The great improvements I looked for in youI like improvementsIt makes you plastic, just like elasticSay, don't you ever keep coolI'd rather CharlestonOh no, that's the sort of thing silly people doHey, haven't you read what Lincoln said in sixty-twoYeah!Well, what'd he say?I'd rather CharlestonOh noCharleston, Charleston with youNot me
Songwriters
DESDMOND CARTERPublished by
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.