[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
From “The Sun Dodgers”, 1912
Words and music by Joe Jordan
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- Sadie Jones worked hard all day
For a family down at Sheepshead Bay
She had to do the washin’, ironin’ and cookin’
And watch the children play
She fell in love with Silas Brown
Who lived way up in New York town
She kept the phone bells ringing
All the time was singing
When no one was around
Chorus
Dat’s my honey, sho’s you born
And I’m wid him, right or wrong
I’ve had some lovin’ that I cert’ny tho’t was grand
But I never knew what love was
’til I met that man
Kissin’ is his masterpiece
And he can hug jes like a grizzly bear
When the white folks ain’t at home
I wears out the telephone
Talkin’ to my baby own
He can tease, he can squeeze
He can please with such ease
‘Cause dat’s my honey, sho’s yo’ born
- He’s a man that’s up to date
He looks jes like a fashion plate
A tantalizing devil, but he’s on the level
He is my running mate
He wears them bestest silkest socks
You know the kind that’s got the clocks
If I every catch him flirting
There will be some hurting
I’m sly just like a fox
Chorus
Dat’s my honey, sho’s you born
And I’m wid him, right or wrong
I’ve had some lovin’ that I cert’ny tho’t was grand
But I never knew what love was
’til I met that man
Kissin’ is his masterpiece
And he can hug jes like a grizzly bear
He’s a regular chocolate brow
And no sweeter can be found
And I’ll never throw him down
He can tease, he can squeeze
He can please with such ease
‘Cause dat’s my honey, sho’s yo’ born