[WARNING: racial stereotypes. Sheet music singer does not condone hatred or racism. It is being presented in its original published form to document musical history.]
a 1901 popular song
words and music by Smith & Bowman
A rare, early song with ‘Blues’ in the title. The only source I find for it is the Beale Street and Other Classic Blues book.
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The sheet music:
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Accompaniment:
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Lyrics
1. Big Sam Johnson was a popular man
Among Darktown’s elite
They made him toastmaster at every affair
‘Cause his speeches were cert’ny a treat
He took his Liza to a banquet last night
As he rose to speak he spied
His rival and his Lize, both a-making goo goo eyes
Then poor Sam forgot his toast and sadly sighed
Chorus
I’ve got de blues, I beg to be excused
My heart is breaking and my head is aching
That is just why I refuse
I’m all confused, ma gal I ‘spects to lose
I can’t make no toast tonight
Because I’ve got de blues
2. Sam thought he’d take Liza to a coon show
He started out to walk
He wore a very loud suit of clothes
It was really quite loud ’nuff to talk
He sat a moment on a bench in the park
It had just been painted blue
His blood in anger boiled
When he saw his clothes were spoiled
And to moan these words was all that he could do
Chorus
I’ve got de blues, I beg to be excused
My heart is breaking and my head is aching
That is just why I refuse
I’m all confused, my clothes have been abused
I can’t see no show tonight
Because I’ve got de blues
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Sung here by Fred Feild: