I Can't Tell a Waltz from a Tango

"I Can't Tell a Waltz from a Tango" is a popular song, written by Al Hoffman and Dick Manning and published in 1954. The best-known version in the United States was recorded by Patti Page; the best-known version in the United Kingdom by Alma Cogan, both of which were recorded in 1954. The Pee Wee King Orchestra recorded the song, reviewed as a "right smooth job" in the same month as the Patti Page's charting of the song.Billboard, October 30, 1954. page 42]

The Page recording was released by Mercury Records as catalog number 70458, with the B-side "The Mama Doll Song." It entered the Billboard chart on October 16, 1954 at number 30, the only week it charted there.

{{cite book

| last = Whitburn

| first = Joel

| author-link = Joel Whitburn

| title = Top Pop Records 1940-1955

| publisher = Record Research

| year = 1973 }}

In Australia, "I Can't Tell a Waltz from a Tango" afforded Page a number 14 hit.

The recording by Alma Cogan was released in 1954 by His Master's Voice as a 78rpm recording (catalog number B10786){{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/Alma-Cogan-I-Cant-Tell-A-Waltz-From-A-Tango/release/2052526 |title=Alma Cogan - I Can't Tell A Waltz From A Tango (Shellac) at Discogs |publisher=Discogs.com |date= |accessdate=2014-02-12}} and a 45rpm recording (catalog number 7M 271). It reached number 6 on the UK Singles Chart.{{cite book

| first= David

| last= Roberts

| year= 2006

| title= British Hit Singles & Albums

| edition= 19th

| publisher= Guinness World Records Limited

| location= London

| isbn= 1-904994-10-5

| page= 113}} The B-side was "Christmas Cards". The song was often used in the BBC comedy radio programme, The Goon Show, by Ray Ellington and his quartet.