[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A popular song from 1912.
Words by Chas. A. Bayha.
Music by Rubey Cowan.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- In Eighteen Sixty, In Eighteen Sixty
Those happy days before Emancipation
‘Way down in Dixie, ‘way down in Dixie
Merry darkies you would see
They had their sorrows, that’s quite true
But there were happy hours, too
Let’s go back once more
Back before the war
And we’ll see some jubilee
Chorus
See them dancing around
Watch them prance on the ground
Uncle Tom is gay, troubles fade away
Hear them after each encore
Roar for more
Banjo’s strumming a tune
Topsy’s acting like a loon
There’s some celebration on the old plantation
At Uncle Tom’s Cabin door
- Just hear them singing, Just hear them singing
Those good ole darkey tunes they’re harmonizing
Just see them swinging, just see them swinging
To the strains of “Old Black Joe”
Here comes the Marsa from his ride
There’s little Eva by his side
Sime Legree’s away, bloodhounds are at play
Those were happy, happy days