[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A popular song from 1900
Words and music by Bogert & O’Brien
Arranged by J. Del Vecho
The sheet music:
Lyrics
1. I’ve been thinking of late of my most peculiar fate
I haven’t got a place to lay my head
Most everything am cheap, but money’s hard to reap
I couldn’t buy a single loaf of bread
I’m always forced to hide, it hurts my Blue Grass pride
From morning until night I weep and moan
I wouldn’t feel so blue, and I’d know just what to do
If I only had a dollah of my own
Chorus:
If I only had a dollah of my own
I wouldn’t feel so gloomy while alone
My mind would feel at a perfect ease
Say what I like and act as I please
I’d feel just like a king upon a throne
I hope good fortune will some future day
Frow a little money in my way
I’d buy a gun, a butcher knife
Protect it with my very life
If I only had a dollah of my own
2. This coon would surely eat every kind of tender meat
Like possum, rabbit and a turtle stew
Of course I’d have mince pie, some quail on toast I’d buy
Spring chicken, turkey, sweet potatoes, too
For breakfast have wheat cakes, I’d go to all clam bakes
Just stuff myself until I’d fairly groan
I might try some roast lamb, but I ignore common ham
If I only had a dollah of my own
Chorus:
If I only had a dollah of my own
I’d never care for either house or home
I’d feel as big as a millionaire
Buy everything and go everywhere
In every foreign land I’d surely roam
I’d soon forget all troubles of the past
Always happy while my money lasts
I’d lead a life most fast and gay
I’d never sleep by night or day
If I only had a dollah of my own
3. I’d gamble all the while in a regular gambling style
They have to invent some new games for me
I’d bust that game called craps and faro bank perhaps
Den I would smash dat game called policy
I’d wear de loudest clothes, tan shoes and fancy hose
Just to give my appearance sportin’ tone
I know I would go wild, I’d act foolish as a child
If I only had a dollah of my own
Chorus:
If I only had a dollah of my own
I’d build a sailors’ and a soldiers’ home
I’d spend my gold in a lavish way
Give money to the poor every day
My name would be the greatest ever known
I’d surely have the latest horseless cab
Everything a-layin’ loose I grab
Dis great suspense I can’t endure
I know de shock will kill me sure
If I ever get a dollah of my own