[WARNING: This song contains the N-word. No hatred is intended. It is presented in its original form for the sake of music history.]
An amusing unwanted pet, 1893
words and music by Harry S. Miller
arranged by Otto Bonnell
A schottische song with a strong and consistent beat pattern. It’s humorous story is told in dialect. This racial aspect was emphasized on the variety stage. It has appeal for children. The extra verses are available on the sheet music.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment:
Lyrics
1. Dar was ole Mister Johnson
He had trouble of his own
He had an ole yaller cat
That wouldn’t leave its home
He tried ev’rething he knew
To keep de cat away
Eben send it to the preacher
An he tole it for to stay
Chorus
But the cat came back, couldn’t stay no longer
Yes, the cat came back the very next day
The cat came back, thought he was a goner
But the cat came back for it wouldn’t stay away
2. De cat did hab some company
One night out in de yard
Some one frowed a boot-jack
An’ dey frowed it mighty hard
Caught de cat behind de ear
She thought it rather slight
When along dar comes a brick-bat
An’ it knocked it out ob sight
(extra verses are in the sheet music)
Sung here by Fred Feild