Abraham

[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]

A song from the 1942 film musical “Holiday Inn”.
Words and music by Irving Berlin.

The sheet music:

Abraham – Sheet MusicDownload

Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:

Abraham – MIDIDownload

Lyrics

  1. Upon a February morn
    A tiny baby boy was born
    Abraham, Abraham
    When he grew up this tiny babe
    The folks all called him “Honest Abe”
    Abraham, Abraham
    In eighteen sixty he became
    Our sixteenth president
    And now he’s in the Hall of Fame
    A most respected gent
    And that is why we celebrate
    This blessed February date
    Abraham, Abraham
  2. When black folks lived in slavery
    Who was it set the darkey free
    Abraham, Abraham
    When trouble came down from the shelf
    Whose heart was bigger than himself
    Abraham, Abraham
    The country’s going to the dogs
    They shouted loud and strong
    Then from a cabin made of logs
    The right man came along
    And that is why we celebrate
    This blessed February date
    Abraham, Abraham
  3. The U. S. A’s united thanks
    To one whose name was Nancy Hank
    Abraham, Abraham
    She gave this land the finest son
    Who ever went to Washington
    Abraham, Abraham
    When soneone told him Gen’ral Grant
    Was dringing ev’ry night
    He answered, “Go see if you can’t
    Get all my gen’rals tight”
    And that is why we celebrate
    This blessed February date
    Abraham, Abraham
    Abraham, Abraham