Tom Paxton Follow

When the King and Queen decided they would have a formal dance
Invitations they were issued and it happened quite by chance
Through an oversight of someone (who it was, I can’t recall)
That Engelbert, the Elephant, was invited to the ball

What excitement in the jungle, what a holy hullabaloo
What a race to find a costume and to learn a step or two
You could hear the jungle shaking and I bet it’s shaking yet
While Engelbert was learning how to dance the Minuet

All the palace lamps were lighted as the sun was going down
And the music of the orchestra was heard across the town
The dance was just beginning when there came a mighty roar
‘Your Highness, there’s an elephant, and he’s standing at the door!’

Then the guards turned out from everywhere, they came from every place
To where Engelbert was standing with a smile upon his face
He was dressed in latest fashion – on his trunk he wore a ring
He presented his invitation with the seal of the King

So, the soldiers formed an escort and they led him to the ball
Where the orchestra stopped playing and a hush went through the hall
Though the King and Queen were speechless, and I’m sure they’re speechless now
For Engelbert, the Elephant, made a very lovely bow

Then the Queen began to smile at him, the band began to play
And Engelbert was dancing in the very nicest way
The ladies were delighted at the way he turned and spun
And before the night was over, he had danced with every one

When the guests sat down to dinner, Engelbert sat on the floor
He nibbled most politely (though he really wanted more!)
When the final dance was called for, such a sight you’ve never seen
For it was by the Royal Command, he danced it with the Queen

And when the ball was over and the guests began to go
They escorted him to the city gates and gave him quite a show
For the band had come along with him and they began to play
And the dance he did along the way is talked about today
Yes, they talk about the dancer man - you know, they’re talking yet
Of how Engelbert, the Elephant, performed the Minuet.