Lucy Long

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

A popular song from 1844
Words and music — anonymous


The sheet music:


Accompaniment by Benjamin R. Tubb:


Lyrics

  1. Oh! I jis come out afore you,
    To sing a little song;
    I plays it on de Banjo,
    And dey calls it Lucy Long.
    Oh!

Chorus
Take your time Miss Lucy,
take your time Miss Lucy Long;
Oh! take your time Miss Lucy
Take your time Miss Lucy Long.

  1. Miss Lucy she is handsome,
    And Miss Lucy she is tall;
    To see her dance Cachucha,
    Is death to Niggers all.
    Oh!
  2. Oh! Miss Lucy’s teeth is grinning
    Just like an ear ob corn;
    And her eyes dey look so winning!
    Oh! would I’d ne’er been born.
    Oh!
  3. I asked her for to marry,
    Myself de toder day;
    She said she’d rather tarry,
    So I let her habe her way.
    Pray
  4. If she makes a scolding wife,
    As sure as she was born,
    I’ll tote her down to Georgia,
    And trade her off for corn.
    Then