The Grecian Bend
Eastburn
New York: 1868
The Ladies wanting something new,
As women are so prone to do,
Wear lofty heels upon the the shoe to give them a Grecian Bend.
With foot so short and heel so high they can't stand plumb if they would
try,
And so they think to catch the eye by means of the Grecian Bend.
CHORUS: Oh, see them promenade Broadway, from early morn to end of day:
To hear what dashing gents will say about the Grecian Bend.
T'is fun to see a lass so tall , lean forward 'till you'd think she'd fall:
Or pitch against a tree or wall, Because of her Grecian Bend.
E'enbashful firls are forward now, So forward that the people vow;
They've been all day behind a plow, To give them theirGrecian Bend.
Chorus
Fat women now will not be seen, For all are bent upon the lean;
A novel way to walk the Queen, This beautiful Grecian Bend.
When girls go out upon the street, Their heads arrive before their feet;
The figure cut is sure a treat, But this is the Grecian Bend.
CHORUS
The doctors think the walk is fine, For all the ladies who incline;
Must have a curvature of spine, To give them a Grecian Bend.
Old maids declare it just the plan, They try this semicircle sham,
Pitch into horse and dray, and man. And spoil their Grecian Bend.
CHORUS
What next we'll have we do not know, For novelty is all the go;
And when designs begin to flow, Where will the follies end?
Perhaps you'll see them by the scores, Down on their knees upon your floors;
To try to go it on all fours,And cut the Grecian Bend.
CHORUS
The Grecian Bend for Westend Belles, is thought by love the thing
The Roman Fall for 'bout town Swells, Is what my boys I sing;
Heads up, chests out la militaire, How graceful the effect,
How stylish yet how debonnaire, It is the walk correct
CHORUS