[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
(Instructions from the Boss)
A popular song from 1897
Words and music by Irving Jones
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- Last night the darkies gave a rag time ball
You had to be a ragged coon to enter in the hall
Such a bunch of ragged japs I never did saw
You could hire sharp razors
From a barber at the door
A coon name Rag time Jimmy
Was the man who ran the dance
He called the rag time figures
When them coons began to prance
He says my dogs harms me coons
I think I’ve got the gout
But prepare to show your nigger
At each figure that I shout
All hands around, bow to the ground
Do the Possuma la, take your lady to the bar
Do the Highland Fling, cut the pigeon wing
You paid for a good time
So let your voices ring
Chorus
Get your money’s worth
I’ve had my gin and feel mighty glad
Get your money’s worth
Have a good time but don’t get bad
Get your money’s worth
Dance yourself clean off the earth
If you want to have fun
Bring your razor and your gun
And get your money’s worth
- The darkies got excited just bout half past one
When a coon came in they called wild Bill
And he drew out his gun
He said knives, guns and razors I don’t fear
The sound of a revolver is sweet music to my ear
Then Rag time Jimmy stepped out
In the middle of the floor
And he said to this wild coon
“Are you looking for gore?
I know you are a bad coon
And your name is wild Bill
If you get bad tonight my friend
Your name will be tame Will
Coons take your place
Look your lady in the face
Now darkies prance
Do the Houchee Kouchee dance
Do the Bumba-Shay, go the other way
Don’t pay no ‘tention to wild Bill
But listen to what I say