Long Time Ago

[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]

A 1836 comic song
Words and music by William Clifton


The sheet music:


Accompaniment:


 Lyrics

  1. O, I was born down ole Varginee
    Long time ago
    O, I was born down ole Varginee
    Long time ago
    O, Massa die an make me free
    Long time ago
    O, Massa die an lef me free
    Long time ago
  2. O, I ax Massa ware he gwoin
    He hab a Gun an Dog to show im

3.
He say he gwoin to kill a Niggar
He aim he Gun, he pull de trigger

  1. He shoot de Niggar trough de libber
    Vich make de Niggar kick an quiver
  2. I ax im why he do dat darfore
    He never say no why nor warfore
  3. I look I see, he only stun im
    De Niggar he cut dirt an run im
  4. O, I den runs down Shinbone alley
    I saw dat Niggar in de valley
  5. I ax im if he dat dar Niggar
    Dat Massa shoot wid Gun an trigger
  6. He cum at me like Allegater
    I stop hi mouf wid hot potater
  7. He say he offen kiss my Sally
    I tell im dat be one dam lyee
  8. O, den I ketch im by de coller
    I guess I make de Niggar holler
  9. I take de gun, I pull de trigger
    An dat de en ob dat dar Niggar
  10. Dis appen long fore Massa die
    I hope dat Massa in de skye