[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A 1896 popular song
Words by Dave Reed Jr.
Music by Sadie Koninsky
The instrumental piano solo version came out in 1898.
The sheet music:
Accompaniments by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. Up in de sky dars a yaller moon a-beamin’
And froo de trees dars a lot of lights a-gleamin’
What’s goin’ on? What’s goin’ on?
Swell coons are all turnin’ out
Gay little gals wif dere pretty eyes a-rollin’
Down froo de grove wif de darkies am a-strollin’
All hands dressed in their best
What’s de rumpus all about?
Dis am a night dat de coons are celebratin’
Down to a cakewalk they’re all a-congregatin’
My, what style! See dem smile!
Chuck full of fun and delight
Dis is de time ev’ry nigger is a dandy
Feels just as sweet as a stick of yaller candy
Extra fine, right in line
All a-feelin’ out of sight. O!
Chorus
Swing round and show yo’ clothes my lady
Don’t you take yo’ peepers off dat cake
We’ll make these other coons look shady
Dar is no mistake
Say gal, you is a red hot member
Goodness! won’t we make de people talk
Dat cake will make us bofe remember
Eli Green’s cakewalk
2. There comes a coon wif a mighty reputation
Wins ev’ry cake dat he tackles in de nation
My, don’t talk! Watch him walk!
Ain’t he a picture of grace
Some people say he is certainly a wonder
He’s got a face dats as black as any thunder
But when he looks at me
He’ll turn yaller in de face
He come around fo’ to gobble up de prizes
But I’se a coon dat he very much despises
Dis swell knows right well
He ain’t a marker to me
Dis am a chance fo’ to gain a reputation
We’ll be de talk of de colored population
Oh you Lize, roll dem eyes
You’s as pretty as can be. O!