[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A popular song from 1900
Words by Will D. Cobb
Music by Gus Edwards
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. When the darkness comes a creepin’
And the stars begin a peepin’
When the moon is just commencin’ for to shine
Such an awful anxious feelin’
Comes around my heart a stealin’
As I look out in the darkness for a sign
Then a light begins to quiver
Far across the muddy river
In a cabin by the Mississippi shore
And my banjo starts a strummin’
As I catch myself a hummin’
To my lady love the one that I adore
Chorus
My charcoal charmer, my dusky belle
I love you more than tongue can tell
When stars are shining of you I dream
My charcoal charmer, my midnight queen
2. When the frogs begin a croakin’
Like as if they all was chokin’
Then I longs to press your ruby lips to mine
But I ain’t as good at runnin’
As your daddy is at gunnin’
And when it comes to dyin’ I decline
So I’ll offer no resistance
But love you at long distance
For I know you is the apple of his eye
And I’ll keep my heart a yearnin’
If you’ll leave your lovelight burnin’
Till I meet you honey meet you by and by
Sung here by Fred Feild: