VAMP, THE
Subtitle
Novelty Oriental Fox Trot
Type
Song
Composer
Byron Gay
Lyricist
Byron Gay
Copyright
1919
Publisher
Leo. Feist, Inc.
Cover Artist
Henry Hutt
Notes
The song is called a "Novelty Oriental Fox Trot:" "After capturing every song center in the West, it is spreading its spell over the country! "The Vamp" has been appointed the most wonderful song ever written for modern American dancing. Its rhythm is alive! Its melody is bewitching! Its lyric has a chuckle in every line. A reward is offered to any one who can frown or keep his feet still when the band plays or the singer sings "The Vamp." It's a wonderful song--get it before it gets you." [From the back cover advertisement.] Byron Gay also wrote "Sand Dunes."
The last two lines were Ted Lewis's vocal signature:"Is ev'rybody happy?"
Lyrics

Ev'rybody do the vamp,
Vamp until you get a cramp;
Gab your tootsie, hold her tight,
While they're playing, just keep swaying,
Do a little "what-not,"
Do a little fox-trot,
When you cuddle up don't fight.

Vamp and swing along, (keep a-doing it),
Vamp and sing a song, (don't you ruin it),
Do a nifty step, with lots of "pep,"
And watch your rep-utation.
Do a "Bumble Bee," (buzz around a bit),
Shake a wicked knee, (she will fall for it),
Vamp all night and day,
Keep vamping till you vamp your cares away.

Ah! ah! ah! ah! ah! ah!
Vamp the little lady, Vamp the little lady,
Vamp the little lady, Vamp the little lady,
Ah! ah! ah! ah! ah! ah!
She will like it maybe, she will like it maybe,
She will like it maybe, Oh, you pretty baby,
Ah! ah! ah! ah! ah! ah!
Make it good and snappy, make it good and snappy,
Make it good and snappy, make it good and snappy,
Ah! ah! ah! ah! ah! ah! ah! ah!
Guess I got to go now, guess I got to go now,
'sev'rybody happy, 'sev'rybody happy,
'sev'rybody happy, sure. [Spoken] Good!