[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A ragtime song about the early telephone, 1899
words and music by Joe E. Howard and Ida Emerson
The telephone got going in the 1880s. This vaudeville number came about when a 20 year old Joe Howard overheard someone talking to a girlfriend on the telephone. Joe wrote this song together with his wife. It was perfect for cake-walking.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment:
Lyrics
1. I’se got a little baby, but she’s out of sight
I talk to her across the telephone
I’se never seen my honey but she’s mine, all right
So take my tip, an’ leave this gal alone
Every single morning, you will hear me yell
“Hey Central! fix me up along the line”
He connects me with ma honey, then I rings the bell
And this is what I say to baby mine
Chorus
“Hello! ma baby, hello! ma honey, hello! ma ragtime gal
Send me a kiss by wire, baby my heart’s on fire!
If you refuse me, Honey, you’ll lose me
Then you’ll be left alone, oh, baby
Telephone and tell me I’se your own
2. This morning, through the phone she said her name was Bess
And now I kind of know where I am at
I’se satisfied because I’se got my babe’s address
Here pasted in the lining of my hat
I am mighty scared, ’cause if the wires get crossed
‘Twill separate me from ma baby mine
Then some other coon will win her, and my game is lost
And so each day I shout along the line
Sung here by Fred Feild