[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
From the production "Buster Brown," 1903
Words and music by Theo H. Northrup
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. Weary and sad, awful mad
Sugar baby, done flown away
Had a fight, Tuesday night
'Bout a lady, Miss Tilda Shay
She was sore, showed me the door
'Cos I tried to be too polite
She turned me down, called a clown
Dat's de reason I'se here tonight
Chorus:
Sugar? Ma honey!
Don't be angry dear
Cos I'se waiting here
Dinah! I love's yer
Fo' you're de sweetest honey
You'se ma Dinah Lee
2. Want a meal, I have to steal
Got no money, want to eat
Out in the rain, bones full of pain
Lost ma ticket, broke ma claim
Lost all hope, no use to try
Better kill maself, spec's I'll die
Don't yer see, Dinah Lee
I'se a starvin' fo' chicken Pie