[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A popular song from 1900.
Words by Frank Abbott.
Music by Ben M. Jerome.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. A coon who heard the praises sung
Of chicken on ev’ry side
He got excited and den he got
So mad he almost cried
Says he I think dis chicken craze
Is a libel on de colored race
A man don’t have to be stuck on fowl
Just because he’s black in de face
I kno lots of coons, crazy as loons
Eat chicken day and night
But as for me I can’t agree
My tastes are the same as white
I don’t go back on canvas back
I’m fond of Little neck clams
But my favorite flesh I must confess
Is Lam’, Lam’, Lam’
Chorus
Cow meat am good and sweet
Roast veal it am fine
Kidney stew, I love too
Pork chops am divine
But of all de meats dats good to eat
From turkey down to ham
De one dat tickles ma palate de most
Is Lam’, Lam’, Lam’
2. Dis coon he loved a yaller maid
Who’s name was Lucindy Lamb
Her father kept a butcher shop
And he took a dislike to Sam
Says he, “Now coon, keep away from my house
My child you cannot wed
Then Sam gave him one sheepish look
And to the butcher said
Dere is lots of gals, Suzies and Sals
And Mandy’s by de score
Dat I could wed but on de dead
Lucindy I adore
I don’t care a rap for your butcher shop
For you beef, pork, veal, or ham
But I’ll win ma flame cause I likes her name
It’s Lam’, Lam’, Lam’