[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A popular song from 1914.
Words by L. Wolfe Gilbert.
Music by Lewis F. Muir.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. Miss Mandy Jackson you hurry up, hurry up
Miss Mandy Jackson you pretty up, pretty up
You’re going to hear some music
You’re going to hear some music
Played by the best band
By the best band in the land
If you’ve got work, why Kid
Chuck it up, chuck it up
It’s camp meeting time, babe
And that’s why I feel grand
Chorus
Oh Oh that camp meeting band
I want to tell you, sister
It’s the best in the land
Yes, true, the preacher speaks grand
Hear what he has to say
Then hear them darkies play
The tune of the old Stars and Stripes, just like new
If Sousa could hear them play it, he’d say so, too
When I want music grand
Say, give me a camp meeting band
2. Camp meeting bonnet, come put it on, put it on
With feathers on it, come stick it on, stick it on
No great big celebration
That’s held in this here Nation
Will draw such big crowds
As the best band in the land
If you’ve got jewl’ry, hon
Chuck it on, chuck it on
I’ll hitch up Napoleon
And we’ll ride to that band stand