[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A popular song from 1899.
Words by Chas. W. Doty.
Music by Edwin S. Brill.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. I listen to the south winds gently sighing
They speak of you ma lady Lu
To read the loving message I’ve been trying
And it tells me that ma babe is true
The shadows of the night are softly falling
Ma honey Lu so fond and true
The mockingbirds, and whippoorwills are calling
To their mates, as I call you
Chorus
Come to me ma Lady Lu come
Be ma own sweet babe oh! do, oh! do
You know I love you so, oh honey don’t say no
I’d die for you, ma lady Lu.
‘Seems when I look in your eyes
My heart it jumps with joy and glad surprise
If I could only dare to read your answer there
Then I’d know that you’s ma lady Lu
2. It just seems natural as the flowers to blossom
Ma love for you that’s how it grew
And now to me you’s sweeter than the possum
Don’t say no, t’would break my heart in two
You member when I met you in the springtime
A little Zu now lady Lu
The orange blushes red, when kiss’d by sunshine
So you blushed when I kissed you