[Chorus]
While I went back to Kansas City, an old Count Basie was gone, wow
I went back to Kansas City, old Count Basie was gone, wow
It's a mean, cold world, I hope he’s got a better home
Down on 18th And Vine, the old Count Basie got his start
Well down on 18th And Vine where old Count Basie got his start
It sure was a good time a-played piano from his heart

[Verse]
Then he went to California, that's right
Soon the news got around, you heard that sound
Yeah, he went back to California, soon the news got around
And the girls jumped and shouted
"Count Basie, the baddest man in town"
So dancе a little, dance

[Interlude]
Give mе a little bass-ie, Ralph, thank you

[Chorus]
Well the last time I saw Count Basie
He was standing on 18th And Vine
Last time I saw Count Basie
He was standing on 18th And Vine
I'd love to tell the whole world, he sure was a friend of mine
He was a friend of mine