Do you hear the beat? Away down the street?
Do you hear the neat little rhythm of the happy dancin' feet?
Well, look there! The people are runnin' and right now, they're gonna have a lot of fun.
Make way, 'cause everybody's comin' and you'll see a big parade.
Hey boy, you're really gonna celebrate; Hear that? Listen to the clarinet!
Your feet are really gonna palpitate when you march around; Marchin' around, wonderful sound!
I hear the 'rattle-de-tat' – love the way the drummer does that.
Glorious day! Come on, get out of my way! Hey! Make room, gimme some air – I got rhythm to spare!
We all swing high, swing low; Everybody rockin' to and fro.
It ain't fast or slow, But oh, that 'Glory, hallelujah!'
Swing that thing – Make the river bottom ring and sing.
Hush ma mouth – Lordy: that's the South Rampart Street Parade!
They're doin' it, soft-shoein' it, they're tryin' it, untyin' it,
They're jivin' it, revivin' it, I tell you.
They're struttin' it, rug-cuttin' it, they're shakin' it and breakin' it,
Hey Dad! Not bad! I'm glad you dig!
Now, the trombone's playin' out a tune, that shiny trombone bayin' at the moon, yeah,
Just playin' mighty fine as they march along, I never get enough of that Creole song!
Hear now, ain't the music grand! It's ringin' clear down to the river bottom sand.
I really get a thrill – I know I always will – when I hear the rhythm of a band.
They're shakin' it, and breakin' it, they're swayin' it, I'm sayin' I still hear the beat!
The South Rampart Street Parade – Lordy, how I love to hear them play!
Makes a body wanna stay all day – South Rampart Street Parade!