[WARNING: racial stereotypes. No hatred is intended. It is presented in original form as a part of music history.]
George Christy and Wood’s celebrated banjo song, 1854
words by Henry Wood
arranged by A. Sedgwick
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The sheet music:
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Accompaniment by Benjamin R. Tubb:
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Lyrics
1. In South Car’lina de darkies go
Sing song Kitty can’t you ki’ me oh
Dats whar de white folks plant de tow
Sing song Kitty can’t you Ki’ me, oh
Cover de ground all over wid smoke
Sing song Kitty can’t you Ki’ me, oh
And up de darkies heads dey poke
Sing song Kitty can’t you Ki’ me oh
Chorus
Keemo Ki’mo! Dar! oh whar?
Wid my hi, my ho, and in come Sally singing
Sometimes penny winkle, lingtum, nipcat
Sing song Kitty can’t you ki’ me oh
2. Milk in de dairy nine days old
Sing song Kitty can’t you Ki’ me oh
Frogs and de skeeters getting mighty bold
Sing song Kitty can’t you Ki’ me oh
Dey try for to sleep but it ain’t no use
Sing song Kitty can’t you Ki’ me oh
Dere legs hang out for de chickens to roost
Sing song Kitty can’t you Ki’ me oh
3. Dar was a frog lived in a pool
Sing song Kitty can’t you Ki’ me oh
Sure he was de biggest fool
Sing song Kitty can’t you Ki’ me oh
For he could dance and he could sing
Sing song Kitty can’t you Ki’ me oh
And make de woods around him ring
Sing song Kitty can’t you Ki’ me oh
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Sung here by Fred Feild: