[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
a 1918 song dedicated to the African-American troops in World War 1
words and music by Sanders Reynolds
arranged by Ethel Alcorn
The sheet music:
Accompaniment:
Lyrics
1. Ole mammy Snow who’s ’bout seventy fo’
Lives way down south in Alabam
She’s thinking of dis a boy who’s gone to war
Well, you never hear her murmur not a mumblin’ word
‘Cause she know dis lovin’ son will be amongst de birds
Dat’ll roost around the Kaiser’s bed
An’ every mornin’, noon an’ night
Fo’ she knows her boy kin fight
Dis is what ole Mammy said
Chorus
If de Kaiser, Ludendorff and Mister Hindenburg
Thinks dey gwine to roost among de heavenly birds
Dey better grab demselves an aeroplane
(Yes, Lord! sure ‘nough!)
An’ take a trip around Mars
A ’cause de first thing dat dey knows
Dere’ll be blackbirds roostin’ on de bedpost
So dey better leave here an’ find a restin’ place
To lay dere weary heads
Until the Judgement day rolls around
2. Now Sammy Snow will know just exactly where to go
When he goes glidin’ over No man’s land
It won’t be far to the Kaiser’s front door
An’ when he starts a-knockin’, kickin’, bumpin’ things ’round
Dey will know dat Uncle Sammy’s boys have flew in town
‘Cause dey’ll soon be numbered ‘mongst de dead
An’ every mornin’, noon an’ night
Fo’ she knows her boy kin fight
Dis is what ole Mammy said
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Sung here by Fred Feild: