[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial language. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
a popular song from 1922
words and music by W. A. Hann, Jos. Simms, and Al. W. Brown
The sheet music:
Accompaniment:
Lyrics
1. Away down South where I was born
In the land of cotton, sugar, cane and corn
Everybody goes to church on Sunday morn
You all know that the good books say
“You must keep holy the Sabbath day”
Now if you don’t you’ll go where it’s real warm
In church the other day, I heard Parson Johnson say: (Well?)
Refrain
Brothers, it’s a shame to gamble on Sunday, Ain’t it a shame?
Ain’t it a shame, to gamble on Sunday, Ain’t it a shame?
Ain’t it a shame to gamble on Sunday,
When you get Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, too
Ain’t it a shame?
2. Old Sister Mandy Jenkins Jones
She gave a dance down at her home
Last Saturday night, and everyone was gay
She belonged to church but took one chance
And after midnight let them dance
Somebody ‘phoned the Parson right away
When the Elder rushed thru’ the door
He preached this sermon on the floor:
Refrain
Sisters, it’s a shame to shimmy* on Sunday, Ain’t it a shame?
Ain’t it a shame, to shimmy* on Sunday, Ain’t it a shame?
Ain’t it a shame to shimmy* on Sunday,
When you get Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, too
Ain’t it a shame?
* in subsequent refrains substitute “drink hootch”, “flirt”, “steal chickens”
Sung here by Fred Feild: