[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
symphony de Ethiopia
a 1896 popular song
words and music by W. T. Jefferson
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. I’se got a coal black lady
And she is my little baby
And I love her, yes, I do
She says she is my honey
And she has no use for money
And to her I’ll be true
There ain’t no yaller nigger
That can hope to cut a figure with
This lady friend of mine
When we start a-walkin’
We just set ’em all a-talkin’
We are winners ev’ry time
Chorus
This coal black lady, she is my baby
You cannot blame me, no, no, no
‘Case I love her, so, so, so
Her color’s shady, but she’s a lady
Don’t trifle with my coal black lady
2. I’se particular to mention
That it is my great intention
For to carve that yaller coon
That tries to win this girl of mine
This little coal black valentine
My razor’ll seal his doom
Just watch us as we’re passing by
And you will see the reason why
That great big cake is mine
When we start a-walkin’
We just set ’em all a-talkin’
We are winners ev’ry time
———————————————-
Sung here by Fred Feild: