[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
This 1858 minstrel song became “The Old Gray Mare”
words and music by J. Warner
arranged by Walter Meadows
Based on a spiritual “Go in the Wilderness.” It was transformed for the minstrel show. Here it has polka rhythm with Scotch snaps. This was popular during slavery. It may refer to a horse race trotting record set in 1843 in New Jersey.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment:
Lyrics
1. My old massa he’s got the dropser, um
He’s got the dropser, um, he’s got the dropser, um
He am sure to die ‘kase he’s got no doctor, um
Down in Alabam’
Chorus
Ain’t I glad I got out de wilderness
Got out de wilderness, got out de wilderness
Ain’t I glad I got out de wilderness
Down in Alabam’
2. Old blind horse come from Jerusalum
Come from Jerusalum, come from Jerusalum
He kicks so high dey put him in de museum
Down in Alabam’
3. Dis am a holiday, we hab assembled, um
We hab assembled, um, we hab assembled, um
To dance and sing for de ladies and genbleum
Down in Alabam’
4. Far you well to de wild goose nation
Wild goose nation, wild goose nation
I neber will leab de old plantation
Down in Alabam’
Sung here by Fred Feild: