"Stumbling" is a fox trot novelty written by Zez Confrey, who is credited as both composer and lyricist. It was published in New York by Leo Feist, Inc., with the subtitle "A Fox Trot Oddity with an Original Rhythm." The song is sung in English, and its lyrics tell a humorous story of a dance at an Armory.
The earliest known recording was made in March 1922 by Nathan Glantz and His Orchestra and was first released that June on the 78 rpm single "Some Sunny Day". Further recordings followed the same year, including versions by Billy Murray with vocal (recorded 29 May 1922), Ray Miller, Paul Whiteman, Vincent Lopez and Frank Crumit. Confrey also wrote a paraphrase of the tune, also titled "Stumbling", in 1922.
Later versions of note include those by Bob Crosby's Bob Cats, Frankie Carle, Yank Lawson's Jazz Band and Dave McKenna.
