[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A popular song from 1912.
Words and music by Rodney Powers.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- Hooker Roosevelt Washington Green
Hungriest coon that you’ve ever seen
Dropped into a restaurant, said, look here man
Bring me on some chicken just as soon as you can
Right at the table sat Ephriam Lee
Hungry for chicken as he could be
Green wasn’t looking, Lee ate up the bird
Green started kicking, this is what he heard
Chorus
Excuse me boss, that bird was fine
That I honest, truly thought it sure was mine
I declare to goodness, didn’t mean no harm
It looked like a chicken from my chicken farm
It looked so nice and brown and sweet
That I couldn’t help but start and eat
It might have been your time to dine
But excuse me boss, I thought it was mine
- Hooker Roosevelt Washington Green
Craziest, maddest you’ve ever seen
Called for the proprietor, said, look here boss
What you goin’ to do about that bird I lost?
Boss only answered, now if you’ll be nice
You’ll get more chicken and mellon on ice
On came the order, Lee made for the door
With chicken and melon
Then Green heard once more