Hannah Won’t You Open That Door

[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]

A popular song from 1904
Words by Andrew B. Sterling
Music by Harry Von Tilzer

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The sheet music:

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Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:

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Lyrics

1. Bill’s at the door, chilled to the core,
   Please, baby Hannah, take me back once more
   Here in the snow, I’m shiv’ring so,
   My bones are rattling in breezes that blow.
   Hannah be nice, I’m cold as ice,
   Why don’t you answer me babe, I’ve knocked twice,
   I’m hungry too, smells chicken stew,
   Hannah I loves only you

Chorus
Hannah, Hannah, won’t you open that door.
Hannah, Hannah, won’t you change your manner,
This is old Bill Johnson, don’t you love him no more.
And I pleads, ’cause I need,
Dat place behind the stove, I used to have before.
Hannah won’t you open that door

2. Let me in please, Honest I’ll freeze,
   I’ll surely catch the gripp starting to sneeze;
   Please stop that rhyme, gal it’s a crime,
   Singing that song about old summer time.
   Frost bitten feet, nose like a beet,
   I’m frozen sure, Honey, I want some heat,
   I loves you still, I always will
   Open the door Babe, it’s Bill

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