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 intellect

You'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 family

Take a lesson from me

I'd rather Charleston

Charleston?

Think of what you might be

I'd rather Charleston

Charleston?

I'm disappointed in you and your ways

I'm double-jointed

There's no sensation like syncopation

Will you let me know why

I'd rather Charleston

Charleston?

That's the sort of thing I would never do

So, just leave it behind and give your mind to something new

I'd rather Charleston

Oh no

Charleston, Charleston with you

Your way of living soon will soon be giving me a pain
You just repeat that same refrain
You use your feet and not your brain

Something 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 shoes

So, take a lesson from me

I'd rather Charleston

Charleston?

When you're older you'll see

I'd rather Charleston

Charleston?

The great improvements I looked for in you

I like improvements

It makes you plastic, just like elastic

Say, don't you ever keep cool

I'd rather Charleston

Oh no, that's the sort of thing silly people do

Hey, haven't you read what Lincoln said in sixty-two

Yeah!

Well, what'd he say?

I'd rather Charleston

Oh no

Charleston, Charleston with you

Not me

Copyright: Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Writer(s): DESDMOND CARTER