[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
a 1847 popular song
words and music by Stephen C. Foster
One of the first songs for which Stephen Foster wrote his own lyrics. Seems unlikely that a slave would be spelling, as most slaves were not allowed to read and write.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by Werner Tomaschewski:
Lyrics
- Oh! Lou’siana’s de same old state
Whar Massa used to dwell
He had a lubbly cullud gal
’Twas the Lou´siana Belle
Chorus
Oh! Belle, don’t you tell
Don’t tell Massa, don’t you, Belle
Oh! Belle, de Lou’siana Belle
I’s gwine to marry you, Lou’siana Belle
2. I went to de ball de udder night
I cut a mighty swell
I danced de Polka pigeon wing
Wid de Lou’siana Belle
3. Dere’s Dandy Jim ob Caroline
I knows him by de swell
Tryin’ to come it mighty fine
Wid de Lou’siana Belle
4. Dere’s first de B and den de E
And den de double LL
Anodder E to de end ob dat
Spells Lou’siana Belle
Sung here by Fred Feild: