[ DISCLAIMER: This song contains antiquated racial language. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A popular song from 1908.
Words and music by George M. Cohan.
Arranged by Chas. J. Gebest.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. Mister Gibson, Mister Gibson
Brought the Gibson girl along
Mister Gibson rhymes with Ibsen
That is why they wrote the song
Mister Gibson introduced the maiden
Ala Kangaroo
But ’twas I who introduced the style
On old Eighth Avenue
I walk with a blank expression
They follow me in procession
Chorus
The Gibson coon, the Gibson coon
A study in black and tan
I fell I’ve escaped from a sketch been scraped
By this wonderful Gibson man
My walk, my air, my stoney stare
Suggests the Gibson tune
As I Kangaroo Eighth Avenue
They call me the Gibson coon
2. Mister Gibson fluffed the hair
And gave the back an awful twist
Mister Gibson made his maid
An actual contortionist
With a look of disappointment
Mammoth curls from Hepner’s store
Struts around in ostrich fashion
Ala Ethel Barrymore
My manner is dull and dreamy
If Gibson could only see me
Sung here by Fred Feild: