[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
a 1880 popular song
words and music by James A. Bland
This is a ballad written by an African-American minstrel entertainer. It is a fictional story about imaginary black Americans during slavery times. James A. Bland was successful with this as well as Carry Me Back To Old Virginny and Oh dem Golden Slippers. The minstrel stage was a very popular money maker for decades for white and black performers.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by Werner Tomaschewski:
Lyrics
1. In de ebening by de moonlight
When dis darkies work was over
We would gather round de fire
’Till hoecake it was done
Den we all would eat our supper
After dat we’d clear de kitchen
Dat’s only time we had to spare
To hab a little fun
Uncle Gabe would take de fiddle down
Dat hung upon de wall
While de silv’ry moon was shining clear and bright
How de old folks would enjoy it
They would sit all night and listen
As we sang in de ebe’ning by de moonlight
Chorus
In de ebening by de moonlight
You could hear us darkies singing
In de ebening by de moonlight
You could hear de banjo ringing
How de old folks would enjoy it
They would sit all night and listen
As we sang in de ebening by de moonlight
2. In de ebening by de moonlight
When de watchdog would be sleeping
In de corner near de fireplace
Beside de ole armchair
Where Aunt Chloe used to sit
And tell de Piccaninnies stories
And de cabin would be fill’d
Wid merry coons from near and far
All dem happy times we used to hab
Will ne’er return again
Eb’ry thing was den so merry gay and bright
And I nebber will forget it
When our daily toil was ober
How we sang in de ebe’ning by de moonlight
———————————————-
Sung here by Fred Feild: