[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
(Who’re You For?)
A popular song from 1916
Words and music by Sam Seligman, Roy Barton and the original Dixie Jazz Band
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- Were you ever down in Dixie
Where the flowers bloom
They’re dancing on the Levee
‘Neath the silvery moon
To the music of the banjos
Hear the serenade
With syncopated melodies
Oh! Honey Babe
How often in the evening
When the work is o’er
They love to harmonize
Around the cabin door
Listen to the happy darkies
Singing loud and long
Oh! it’s the little Brown Skin song
Chorus
Who’re you for, Brown Skin?
I’m for you white folks
Who’re you for, Palm Beach?
I’m for you in the summer time
- Oh they’re like a lot of children
Not a single care
And just as sure as sunset
You will find ’em there
And each one in turn a-stepping
While the others “pat”
They’d keep it up forever
Don’t know where they’re at
I don’t care where you travel
Don’t care where you roam
There’s nothing sounds as sweet
As songs we learnt at home
If you like that southern harmony
Just come along
And listen to the Brown Skin song
Chorus
Who’re you for, Uncle Joe?
I’m for you when I need dough
Who’re you for, sweet mama?
I’m for you sweet papa