[DISCLAIMER: This song contains antiquated racial language. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A popular song from 1898.
Words and music by Nathan Bivins.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. Last night I went to a big Crap game
How dem coons did gamble wuz a sin and a shame
Coats and hats wuz layin’ all over de floor
De house wuz crowded wid lots of toughs
Wid race horse touts wuz awful rough
One coon got broke and dese the words he said
Refrain
Gimme ma money, don’t think you’re funny
Cause I’m a nigger you don’t cut no figure
I’m gambling for my Sadie cause she’s my lady
I’m a hustling coon, and dats just what I am
2. From der I goes to de Odd fellows Hall
To have a good time and dat wuz all
Another crap game wuz going on among a lot of touts
I shoots two bits dats all I had
When I lost it of course dat made me mad
“Stop dat music”, I began to shout
3. On de floor I dropped a ten dollar bill
A gal put her foot on’t, her name wuz Lill
I says Lady will you please mam look out
She says young man if you get gay
I’ll have my friend to put you away
And to dis gal I could not help but shout