[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A 1899 popular song.
Words and music by Bob Cole and Billy Johnson.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. Have you heard about the lucky coon
Came to town one day in June
He roams around thro’ the town
With an easy air
He doesn’t seem to care
No matter when or where
He dresses well but don’t dress swell
But he seems to have the dough
And if you get close to that coon
You’ll hear him mumbling low
Chorus
“I got a place to eat I got a place to sleep
I got a plenty good clothes to wear
I got a hat for my head and shoes for my feet
So what more need I care
I got a lovely gal and an honest pal
And a lot of white friends aroun’
I done bid farewell to ev’ry fear
I’m the luckiest coon in town”
2. Ev’ry morn he goes out for a walk
With no coons he’s seen to talk
He says he never wants to be
Mayor or President
Just give him fifty cents
And he will be content
He never cares ’bout politics
And he ain’t no clubhouse man
And if you want to know his game
He’ll have you understand
Sung here by Fred Feild: