[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
a 1920 popular song
words and music by Perry Bradford
The sheet music:
Accompaniment:
Lyrics
1. Now my babe has left me, I don’t know what I’ll do
Now every day I miss her and it makes me feel blue
I’m leavin’ here today and that is why I say
Chorus
I’m leavin’ town to wear you off my mind
I’ve been mistreated and I don’t mind dyin’
I’ll buy me a ticket long as my right arm
I’ll ride so far you think I’m dead and gone
I’m Alabama bound, I told you way last spring
When the bluebirds began to sing
I was goin’ away not to wear no black
And there’s nothing in this world will bring me back
Now I’ve turned you down, leavin’ this lonesome town
I’ll buy a gun as long as I am tall
Shoot myself a man and catch the cannon ball
Fare-thee honey, I don’t want that stall
2. Now my babe has left me, she don’t want me no more
So every day I want her and she do grieve me so
I am on my sweet way, my love has gone astray
Sung here by Fred Feild: