[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A popular song from 1899
Words and music by George Evans
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- Behind the hill the sun am gently falling
It’s time dat pickaninies was in bed
In the ‘simmon trees nightingales am calling
It’s time dat pickaninies prayers was said
‘Cause when the evening comes you know my honies
And the stars begin to shine all o’er the lan’
A great big yaller coon comes a walking from the moon
And they call him the hoo-doo, doo-doo man
Chorus:
Run home, you little pickaninies
Here comes the hoo-doo, doo-doo man
Don’t cry, nor make a noise, ma honies
But run as fast as you can, my babies
Hush! Hush! don’t you let him catch you
Or he’ll make you join his ban’
Run, yo’ little kinky heads
To yo’ little trundle beds
Look out for the hoo-doo, doo-doo man
- His eyes are just as big as watermillyuns
Dey shines like two lanterns clear and bright
He comes huntin’ ’round for wicked cullud chilluns
And he’ll get you if you stay out late at night
He’ll take you from your daddy and your mammy
And to see them any more you never can
So, it’s time dat you’se had flown
Hark! I think I hyar him moan
That’s the cry of the hoo-doo, doo-doo man