An example of Berlin's use of "counterpoint", two different melodies written to fit together in one song.
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Story behind the song
Written for "Watch Your Step", Berlin's first foray into writing a complete musical score. Introduced by Sallie Fisher and Charles King.
Lyrics
Verse:
The different lays of now-a-days, all set my brain a whirl
They’re not the kind of songs they sang when Mother was a girl
Your spoony rags and coony drags, all made my poor heart ache
Bring back the rhymes of olden times, just for old time’s sake.
Chorus:
Wont you play some simple melody?
Like my mother sang to me.
One with good old fashioned harmony.
Play some simple melody.
Counterpoint Chorus:
Musical demons set my honey a-screeming.
Wont you play me some rag?
Just change that classical nag .
To some sweet musical drag.
If you will you play from a copy, of a tune that is choppy.
Youll get all my applause, and that is simply because.
I wanna listen to rag.