[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
a 1918 World War I song
words by Sidney D. Mitchell
music by Archie Gottler
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. Pickaninny cute in his khaki suit
Wanted to join the kiddies playing soldier, as a new recruit
Because his skin was brown, the white kids turned him down
So he ran home crying to his Mammy, saddest little kid in Town
Mammy drove his tears away, when he heard her say
Chorus
Come and lay your kinkey head on Mammy’s shoulder
Don’t you cry you’re Mammy’s little choc’late soldier
And a soldier can’t be crying, even though he thinks he’s dying
So stop those tears from running down
Your little cheeks of choc’late brown
Come and let these loving arms of Mammy hold you
Try to be a soldier like your Mammy told you
Though your skin is dark as night
I know your little pickaninny heart is white
And you’ll always be your Mammy’s choc’late soldier
2. Years have passed away Mammy old and gray
Stands in a crowd to watch the soldiers as they bravely marched away
And her heart fills with joy, for when she sees her boy
He is really Mammy’s choc’late soldier, and his gun is not a toy
Mammy thinks of long ago, and sings soft and low
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Sung here by Fred Feild: