[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
a 1894 popular song
words and music by George W. Johnson
arranged by Frank Banta
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The sheet music:
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Accompaniment:
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Lyrics
1. As I was coming ’round the corner
I heard some people say
Here comes a dandy darky
Here he comes this way
His heel is like a snow-plow
And his mouth is like a trap
And when he opens it gently
You will see a fearful gap
Chorus
The I laugh ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
I couldn’t stop my laughing ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
I couldn’t stop my laughing ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
2. They said his mother was a Princess
His father was a Prince
And he’d been the apple of their eye
If he hadn’t been quince
He be the King of Africa
In the sweet by and bye
And when I heard them say it
Why I laughed until I cried
3. An Actor came to see me
About a week ago
He said to me, “Come sing a song
Down at our little show”
And when he told me about the scenes
So nice and so complete
I couldn’t stop from laughing
From my head down to my feet
4. So now kind friends just listen
To what I’m going to say
I’ve tried my best to please you
With my simple little lay
Now whether you think its funny
Or a quiet bit of chaff
Why all I’m going to do
Is just to give this little laugh
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Sung here by Fred Feild: