Honey, that leaderman leads like a leader can
Just see him leadin' that band
My honey, don't you understand
That they're playin' music grand
And
Just never mind the name
Ragtime is all the same
Music is music with me
But I will say that it's beautiful, hon'
With a great big capital B

[chorus:]
Oh! oh! oh! oh!
Oh! that beautiful rag
It sets my heart a-reelin'
Oh! oh! oh! oh!
Oh! that beautiful drag
That funny feeling stealing
Hear that trombone blowin', hon'
Ain't dem fiddles goin' some?
Oh! sir
Oh! sir, cuddle up closer
Squeeze me like you would a flower
Make a minute last an hour
Oh! oh! oh! oh!
Oh! that heavenly strain
It makes me feel so funny
If I ever cry, "Don't play it again"
Just don't believe me honey
Oh, my dearie, can't you hear me callin'?
Come up near me, catch me, dear, I'm fallin'
Oh! oh! oh! oh!
Oh! that beautiful rag

[2nd verse:]
What does my honey want?  Go in a restaurant?
Now you is talkin' some sense
And this here place is just immense
I know you don't mind expense
Hence
Bring on yo' bill o' fare
Honey, I do declare
Somehow I'm feelin' forlorn
Hear them playin' that old beautiful rag
Now my appetite is gone