[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A popular song from 1911.
Words and music by Blossom Seeley.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
Colored folks now, as a rule
When they’re young, neglect to go to school
But to study crapshooting, chicken-ology
And the way to act like a fool
With Liza Lightfoot ’twas a different case
She was the ideal scholar of her race
As a singer neither Patti or Melba
With this coon could hold a light
Her greatest ambition was to win great fame
Become invincible as a fort
Until she married a lazy coon
Him she had to support
Instead of becoming a famous singer
She became a washboard and mop slinger
With wounded pride she when to this coon
And in an angry voice she said
Chorus
Look here, Mister Coon
I’m goin’ to tell-a to you, right now
Washing and ironing wasn’t made for me no how
You know my constitution’s chuck full of ability
Washing and ironing’s ruining my utility
I’m just wasting my talent fooling with you