[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
an Ethiopian Oddity
a 1895 popular song
words and music by Fay Templeton
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by Benjamin R. Tubb:
Lyrics
1. When de banjo’s a-strummin’
And de darkies a-hummin’
Den I want yer, ma honey, yes, I do
I’m a thinkin’ ob yer daily
Dress’d so sweet and also gaily
And my heart is forever true to you
I’m a-thinkin’ ob yer sadly
Cos I love yer mighty madly
And I don’t know what to do
So come back to please me
Don’t try for to tease me
Cos I want yer, ma honey, yes, I do
Refrain
I want yer, ma honey, yes
I want yer mighty badly
I’m a-longin’ for yer daily
Cos I love yer mighty madly
So come back to please me
Don’t try for to tease me
Cos I want yer, ma honey, yes
I want yer, want yer, want yer
Cos I want yer, ma honey, yes, I do
2. When de stars am a-gleamin’
And de birds am a-dreamin’
Den I want yer, ma honey, yes, I do
For I love yer ev’ry minute
And nobody else is in it
And my heart is forever true to you
Den don’t linger linger
Cos my love is growin’ stronger
And I don’t know what to do
So come back, my lady
My love and my baby
Cos I want yer, ma honey, yes, I do
Refrain
I want yer, ma honey, yes
I want yer ev’ry minute
I’m a-thinkin’ ob yer daily
And nobody else is in it
So come back, my lady
My love and my baby
Cos I want yer, ma honey, yes
I want yer, want yer, want yer
Cos I want yer, ma honey, yes, I do
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Sung here by Fred Feild: