[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
… you’ve had him long enuff
a 1918 popular song
words and music by Joseph J. Davilla
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. Sam Jackson was a coon who roamed the street
When he met a Brown Skin he gladly did greet
Sam tipped his hat said, “How you do Miss”
If you’re out for flirting I just can’t resist
He placed his arm around her waist
The she found Sam had such good taste
When I spied my Sam from across the way
Then she heard me yell and say
Chorus
You took my clothes, you took my watch
You done took ev’rything I had
But if you step on this nigger’s corn
You surely gonna get in bad
For if you take my husband away
You’ll never live to see judgement day
Now Brown Skin you shimmeshawabble tough
Give me back my husband
Oh, give me back sweet papa
For you’ve had him long enuff
2. This Brown Skin never knew she had done great wrong
Dancing the shimmeshawabble all night long
I heard her say, Oh, I’ll meet you Sam?
If you dress me nifty on the fifty plan
Then I stepped back with gun in hand
Look nigger you’ve got my old man
I just wants my husband I mean what I say
Or I’ll put this gun in play
———————————————-
Sung here by Fred Feild: