[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
an interesting 1886 song and lively dance from the minstrel show
words and music by Monroe H. Rosenfeld (“F. Belasco”)
This song is referenced in Over There (1917) and many others.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment:
Lyrics
1. One evenin’ in de month of May
Johnny get your gun, get your gun
I met old Peter on de way
Johnny get your gun, get your gun
Moses wept and Abram cried
Johnny get your gun, get your gun
Satan’s coming don’t you hide
Johnny get your gun, get your gun
Refrain
Johnny get your gun, get your gun today
Pigeons a-flying all the way
If you want to get to Heaven in de good ole way
Johnny get your gun, get your gun
Chorus:
Rolling on, rolling on to glory children
Rolling on, Johnny get your gun, get your gun
2. Oh, now good children do yo’ best
Johnny get your gun, get your gun
And button on your golden vest
Johnny get your gun, get your gun
Tell your Uncles and your Aunts
Johnny get your gun, get your gun
Fetch along their linen pants
Johnny get your gun, get your gun
3. The way am rough wid briar roots
Johnny get your gun, get your gun
We’ll shoot old Satan ’fore he scoots
Johnny get your gun, get your gun
When you hear de rascal yell
Johnny get your gun, get your gun
Aim your musket, give him well
Johnny get your gun, get your gun
4. I looked old Satan in the eye
Johnny get your gun, get your gun
Said he, I’ll want you by an’ by
Johnny get your gun, get your gun
Fetch me up an Alderman
Johnny get your gun, get your gun
Put him in my frying pan
Johnny get your gun, get your gun
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Sung here by Fred Feild: