[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial language. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
a famous 1902 popular song
words and music by Hughie Cannon
Based on Willard G. Bailey getting locked out by his wife for late night carousing in Jackson, Michigan.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment:
Lyrics
1. On one summer’s day, sun was shining fine
The lady love of old Bill Bailey was hanging clothes on the line
In her back yard, and weeping hard
She married a B.& O. brakeman, dat took and throw’d her down
Bellering like a prune-fed calf, wid a big gang hanging ’round
And to dat crowd, she yelled out loud
Chorus
Won’t you come home, Bill Bailey, won’t you come home?
She moans the whole day long
I’ll do the cooking, darling, I’ll pay de rent
I knows I’ve done you wrong
‘Member dat rainy eve dat I drove you out
Wid nothing but a fine tooth comb?
I know I’se to blame, well, ain’t dat a shame?
Bill Bailey, won’t you please come home?
2. Bill drove by dat door, in an automobile
A great big diamond, coach, and foot-man, hear dat big wench squeal
“He’s all alone,” I heard her groan
She hollered thro’ that door, “Bill Bailey, is you sore?
Stop a minute, won’t you listen to me? Won’t I see you no more?”
Bill winked his eye, as he heard her cry
Sung here by Fred Feild: