Near barcelona, the peasant crooned
The old traditional spanish tunes
The neapolitan street song sighs
You think of italian skys

Each nation has a creative vein
Originating a native strain
With folk songs plaintive and others gay
In their own peculiar way

American folk songs, i feel
Have a much stronger appeal

The real american folksong is a rag
A mental jag
A rhythmic tonic for the chronic blues

The critics called it a "joke song" but now
They've changed their tune, and they like it, somehow

For it's innoculated with a syncopated sort of meter, sweeter
Than a classic strain, boy you can't remain, still or quiet, for it's a riot

The real american folksong
Is like a fountain of youth
You taste, and it elates you, and then, invigorates you
The real american folksong, the masses coaxed on, is a rag

(instrumental break)

The real american folksong is a rag
A mental jag
A rhythmic tonic for the chronic blues

The critics called it a "joke song" but now
They've changed their tune, and they like it, somehow

For it's innoculated with a syncopated sort of meter, sweeter
Than a classic strain, boy you can't remain, still or quiet, for it's a riot

The real american folksong
Is like a fountain of youth
You taste, and it elates you, and then, invigorates you
The real american folksong, is a rag