[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
or “The Boys You Read About”
a red hot 1897 nigger march song
words by music by Harry Freeman
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. Have yo’ done heard tell of the big black swells
Dat a come from Coleville town?
They are smooth, you bet, they are Coon Cadets
And they’re known for miles around
When they’re on the march, they are stiff as starch
Never look to the left or right
With their uniforms, they are very warm
You can bet they’re out of sight
Marching, marching close in line
Perfect time, how they shine
Style and manners superfine
Look out! all shout! for the Coleville Coon Cadets
Chorus
When the moon shines bright in summer
Then the colored folks turn out
For the Coleville Coons are winners
They’re the boys you read about
2. At a dress parade or a masquerade
You will always find them there
With their guns so bright, they are out of sight
How de wenches at them stare
With their latest mash, don’t they cut a dash
When in style they all turn out
Oh! the hottest coons, seen for many moons
Are the boys you read about
Marching, marching close in line
Perfect time, how they shine
Style and manners superfine
Look out! all shout! for the Coleville Coon Cadets
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Sung here by Fred Feild: