Contact NIEHS, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health & Human Services
Children's Privacy and Other Disclaimers
Can't Hear the Music?

Ballin' the Jack


Words by James Henry Burris
Music by Chris Smith, 1913
Sung by Judy Garland and Gene Kelly in FOR ME AND MY GAL (1942)
From coast to coast,
From Canada to Mexico,
They're doin' a new dance
A tried-and-a-true dance
That will sweep the land
And you'll think it's so grand
You'll have to learn how to do it
So please don't boo woo it
Coz we've got this little dance
That's gonna rise to fame
It's sure to put most any other dance to shame
The turkey-trot, the bunny-hug, the tickley-toe
Will be forgotten when we start to go!
Mr Leader, won't you start the syncopation?
And we'll begin our little demonstration...

Now, first you put your two knees
Close up tight.
Then you sway it to the left
Then you sway it to the right.
Step around the floor kind of nice and light
Then you twist around and twist around
With all of your might.
Stretch your lovin' arms straight out in space
Then you do the eagle rock with style and grace.
Swing your foot way round and bring it back
Now that's what I call ballin' the jack!

Contact NIEHS (NIH, DHHS)
Children's Privacy and Other Disclaimers
NIEHS Sing-Along Index
NIEHS Kids Page Main Index

Links Disclaimer and Caution
When you encounter this image link to a non-NIEHS site or the words "Non-NIEHS Link", it means that by following that link you will be leaving the NIEHS website. NIEHS is NOT responsible for non-NIEHS websites. Sites maintained by outside organizations may be changed without notice to NIEHS. Therefore, unless the link is to another U.S. government sponsored webpage, endorsement by NIEHS is not implied, and NIEHS does not guarantee their continuing safe content or privacy policies. So please ask your parent or guardian before continuing to any non-NIEHS website, and especially before providing any information via the internet or by e-mail. When last reviewed, the websites linked from the NIEHS Kids' Pages seemed suitable for you to visit, but that may have changed; if you have any difficulties or concerns with any linked materials, please let us know.


NIEHS Kids' Pages are supported by the NIEHS Office of Communications and Public Liaison,
PO Box 12233, NH-10, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709. Telephone: (919) 541-3345.
This page was last modified and reviewed for accessibility by the NIEHS Office of Management on .
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).
Office of Inspector General, DHHS

DHHS logo NIH logo NIEHS logo USA.Gov logo