Dat’s Ma Honey Sho’s Yo’ Born

[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

  1. 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

  1. 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