[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A song about President Andrew Johnson, 1866.
Words and music by Henry C. Work.
Song suggested by Peter Masri.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- Andy Veto never slept a wink last night
Darkeys, he’s your Moses
Andy had to take an extra drink last night
For, darkeys, he’s your Moses
There was one who led you thro’ the sea, you know
He who paid his life, and left you free, you know
But Andy V. receipts the bill, so he, you know
Why, darkeys, he’s your Moses
Chorus
Come! come! Joshua, come!
Don’t you think it’s time the journey closes?
For you know we’ll never stand in the promised land
While Andy V.’s our Moses
- Moses can’t afford to let his people vote
Darkeys, he’s your Moses
He must watch his little flock, his own scapegoat
For, darkeys, he’s your Moses
Thinking of you brings him wakeful nights, you know
You might up and take your “civil rights” you know
And make a “war of races” with the whites, you know
So, darkeys, he’s your Moses - Andy Veto thought he wore a crown, last night
Darkeys, he’s your Moses
When the people spoke, it tumbled down last night
But, darkeys, he’s your Moses
Were it not a pretty sight – methinks I see
Thirty million loyal people, proud and free
Around the throne of Andy Veto bend the knee
Oh, darkeys, he’s your Moses - Andy’s been a fishing for “another term”
Darkeys, he’s your Moses
Guess that when vacation comes we’ll change the firm
If, darkeys, he’s your Moses
Ev’rything is going wrong while Andy leads
We must change the diet on which Andy feeds
Ah! “reconstruction” that is just what Andy needs
And, darkeys, he’s your Moses
Sung here by Fred Feild: