[DISCLAIMER: This song contains antiquated racial language. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
From the burlesque “Pousse Cafe”, 1898.
Words by Edgar Smith and Louis DeLange.
Music by John Stromberg.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. ‘Way down in old Phil’delphy
Where the cotton sprouts so free
And the luscious watermelon grows on ev’ry tree
There, by the Hackensack river
Where the alligators roam
My heart is ever turning
For that’s my Lulu’s home
Chorus
Lulu! How I love my Lu, Lu, Lu
Lubs you? ‘deed I do, Lulu
Lu, you are a Lulu
Lulu, you’re my love, for true
2. ‘Way down in old Phil’delphy
When I hoe de sugar cane
I’se a dreamin’ of ma Lulu
And ma heart is full of pain
Der possum cuts no figger
In persimmons I take no pride
Since dat lowdown Trenton nigger
Won Lulu from my side