[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A popular song from 1919.
Words and music by Will E. Skidmore and Marshall Walker.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment:
Lyrics
1. A delegation of Deacons
From a “Hard-shell” congregation
Called on Parson Brown
They told him someone
Had volenteer’d a lot of information
‘Bout a scandal goin’ ’round
Says they, now we heard some things
That’s unbecomin’ to a Preacher
We wants to hear your case
He look’d them over one by one
Then told them to their face
Chorus
It’s nobody’s bus’ness but my own
What I do when my preachin’s thru
So refrain from “messin” ’round my home
Leave me alone
What I do in church you all can see
Don’t you worry ’bout me privately
It’s nobody’s bus’ness but my own
But my own
2. This delegation of deacons
Couldn’t come to no conclusion
‘Bout the case in hand
They didn’t argue too much
Because they figured they might lose him
For they liked their preachin’ man
At last they come to the point
And told him he would have to stop it
Or else he could resign
Says he, I ain’t no Diplomat
But here’s what’s on my mind
Chorus
It’s nobody’s bus’ness but my own
What I do when my preachin’s thru
So refrain from “messin” ’round my home
Leave me alone
There’s a time to preach, a time to shout
Then there’s other things to think about
It’s nobody’s bus’ness but my own
But my own
Chorus
It’s nobody’s bus’ness but my own
What I do when my preachin’s thru
So refrain from “messin” ’round my home
Leave me alone
When a flock of sisters seek my door
You Old Jealous Deacon’s all get sore
It’s nobody’s bus’ness but my own
But my own
Sung here by Fred Feild: