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