[This song contains antiquated racial language. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A 1900 popular song from the musical play “The Belle of Bridgeport”. Words and music by Will Accooe.
The sheet music:
Ma Dandy Soldier Coon – SHEET MUSIC
Lyrics
1. I feel so blue dat de blue shines through
An’ a blue-black coon’s a sight
I’se broke up, sure, an’ dey ain’t no cure
Since ma baby went to fight
Oh, Uncle Sam has ma black man
In de army, sure’s ye born
I’se pawn’d my rings, ma sealskin an’ things
To buy his uniform
An when he went away, to him I did say
Chorus
My dandy soldier coon, in army suit
You am a beaut, pride of de black platoon
Babe, come back soon, My dandy soldier coon
Yo’ style of walk makes them all talk
Marching to ragtime tune
Ta ra ra boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom
2. When he gets back he’ll be tanned so black
Dat I’ll never know this coon
He’ll be a sight, with his medals bright
And his chest like a balloon
All down de line, dey’ll shout, “He’s fine!”
He am cert’ny in de swim
Dat gals will try to catch his eye
No use, dey can’t win him
For when he went away, to him I did say
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Vocal demonstration: