I've Got My Habits On

Performer: Miss Patricola
Composers: Smith, Schafer, Durante
Victor, 1920s
MP3 1,404K

Yes, apparently, that Durante. Jimmy Durante was the composer, Smith and Schafer were the lyricists.

According to Wikipedia, this song is an answer to "Get Your Habits On" by early ragtime composer Paul Sarebresole. The "habits" referred to are habitual dancing, and I have no idea if it's a sly reference to a nun suit, as well. Not enough context. Sarebresole was from New Orleans (a largely Catholic town), so it isn't out of the question. (My mother was expelled from Ursuline Academy in New Orleans for sneaking over the wall, but that's another story).

I can't find a transcript online, so this is strictly by ear.

  Some folks got a habit for sleeping.
Some folks got a habit to snore.
But I've got a habit for just one thing,
That's struttin' on a ballroom floor.

My own sweetie [...]
Wasn't that a swell affair?
Got mad, sad and everything,
But I said I don't care.

I got my habits on.
Lord knows it's on me good and strong.
Can't help it, when that trombone moans,
I forget about home.

With something on my arm
Looking pretty.
Just a bunch of charms,
Cute and witty.

Can't you see? I'm getting hot.
Need a man...don't stop!
Now, as sure as you're a-born
Doggone! I've got my habits on.

Say, I'm just a glutton for struttin'.
No time have I had quite enough.
I suppose I'm something like Struttin' Miss Lizzie,
Crazy 'bout the jazzy stuff.

Ragtime music's got me.
It's appetizing(?) to the brain.
It's jazz [...]
To my feet they must explain.

I got my habits on.
Ain't got a bunion or a corn.
My feet are harmless, as a rule.
I'm a struttin' fool!

I cleaned up in the hall,
I spread my stuff at every ball.
Say, I got 'em!
On the square
I'm there
I'm aware
I'm a bear.   [!]

My shoes are out of [...]
Doggone! I got my habits on.
Once I had the habit of walking the dog.
[...] a rabbit, sitting on a log.
Till I got the habit of balling the jack.
Why, I even did the dance they call the hammer and tack.
Little Timmy - mmmmm - I've stepped them all!
I used to do them down at the Strutters' Ball.

I've shined my shoes and [...] my clothes
Look out! I'm on my dancing toes.

I got my habits on.
Lord knows my senses are gone.
For when I hear a band play rag,
I'm [...]

[...], so lazy!
[...], like crazy!
Pick 'em up,
Lay 'em down,
Just a mean struttin' clown.

Tell everyone in town,
Doggone! I got my habits on. Hey hey!
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