[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
a 1900 popular song
words by Clay M. Greene
music by A.B. Sloane
Songs like this with its racial language were very much the fad in 1900. This one premiered in the musical comedy Aunt Hannah, which was produced at the Bijou Theatre in New York City.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment:
Lyrics
1. I’d frow down any coon fur her
She frowed down piles for me
No matter when er where, she’ll ketch ’em by de pair
She’s wicked as kin be
But she ain’t never caused no sigh
To dis yere yaller coon
You hear me all I’m proud to leave her in a crowd
And see dem crazy niggers spoon
Refrain
Fur she’s ma Lily, my Tiger Lily
She draws de niggers like a crowd of flies
A Queen in shape and size, got diamonds in her eyes
She is ma sweetest one, ma Baby Tiger Lily
2. I met her at a ball one night
And gave her jest one smile
She shook her nigger pard and handed me her card
I wrote ma name in style
She wouldn’t waltz no coon but me
I took de last quadrille
And when de ball was froo, de furst thing dat I knew
She swoa ma little bride to be
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Sung here by Fred Feild: