It was 1957, with tomatoes a dime a pound:

Philadelphia was revvin' up to give us a brand-new sound.

Rock-and-roll was on the rise, but where in heaven was there a way

To communicate the word to every home in the U.S.A.?

—Dick Clark saved the day.

 

Here's American Bandstand

In its fiftieth year;

Folks, if you can still stand, stand

And give a spirited cheer.

 

Back before we got chunky,

When our hair was still brown,

Mr. Clark would get "funky,"

Get "it on" and get "down."

 

Now, we're all a bit older—

Everyone but Dick Clark—

But before we all molder,

Let me make a remark:

 

Pardon me if I grandstand,

But the music was gold

On American Bandstand,

Half a century old.