[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A popular song from 1901
Words by John Queen
Music by Walter Wilson
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- One dark and stormy night
The rain was falling fast
Bill Bailey told his lady friend
“Our dream of love is past”
He said no more
Just slammed the door
He wandered ’round the town
But he didn’t have a cent
He thought about his pork chops
Then back to the house he went
Oh listen to his mournful cry
Chorus
Ain’t dat a shame, a measly shame
To keep your honey out in the rain
Lordy, have a little pity
Will you open dat door and let me in
I stand yere freezin’ wet to the skin
- He stood there at the door
All the whole night long
He cried, “Oh Mama will you let me in
I know that I’ve done wrong
I’ll prove it see? please whisper to me
A bass voice from inside
Hollered from the door
“You find some other hay-pile
You don’t roost here any more
And passers by could hear Bill cry