Washington Square Dance

The song by Irving Berlin comes from Call Me Madam, a 1950 production. The plot of the musical is, according to a London review, "nonsensical fluff," concerning a Washington society matron appointed ambassador to a tiny foreign country. The show was "first and foremost a star vehicle Berlin wrote for Ethel Merman on the heels of Annie Get Your Gun."

It's worth noting that 1950 is when the American square dance boom was in full swing. Interesting to note that some of the lyrics seem relevant 70 years later.

Lyrics:

Square dance
The Washington Square dance
Republicans make up with the Democrats
Show those foreign diplomats
That you dare dance
The Washington Square dance

No matter which side you're on or where you stand
Take your partner by the hand
And each pair dance
The Washington Square dance

The theme is a get-together policy
Show your friends across the sea
It's a fair dance
The Washington Square dance

The rules are the same as cricket, golf or squash
No fair cheatin' 'cause the Wash-
-ington Square dance is square

-Bow to your partners, bow to your corners
Dance till your cheeks are red as a rose
But try not to step on your partner's toes

-Now, duck for the oyster, dig for the clam
Duck for the oyster, dig for the clam
But do your diggin' for Uncle Sam

-One for the money, two for the show
One for the money, two for the show
Three to make ready for Uncle Joe

-Republicans over to the right
-Democrats over to the left

The left meet the right and don't explode
Try to find the middle of the road
And square dance, the Washington Square dance

Be careful, you'll have to watch your step, by gosh!
No round heels because the Wash-
-ington Square dance is square