[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A popular song from 1901
Words and music by Bogert & O’Brien
The sheet music:
Lyrics
1. I went to a banquet, the swellest thing in de land
I sat down to the table, I certainly did expand
My appetite was wid me, but thought I’d surely drop dead
While nibbling on a big pork chop a hundred voices said
Chorus:
“I hope you choke, you hungry moke
You’re stuffed so full your face is turning blue
Why can’t you wait, don’t eat the plate
I hope you choke, choke, choke, indeed I do”
2. I’ve stood my share of troubles, but today I’ve heaved a sigh
My trousers and my shirt waist were hanging out door’d to dry
A big brown goat devoured them, he tore them all apart
I saw him chewing on my clothes and said wi’d aching heart
Chorus:
“I hope you choke, you ragtime goat
Dem trousers was my bestest Sunday pair
My vest and coat, both am in soak
I’ve only got a necktie left to wear”
3. I went out west last summer, to blot out my rowdy past
I tried to live a new life but grew wild and bad at last
I spied a hoss I needed, my brain then began to float
I rode away but soon I felt something around my throat
Chorus:
“I thought I’d choke, they had a rope
I must have looked just like a cyclone wreck
One of the crowd just yelled out loud
Say, “Don’t you wish you was a rubberneck”