[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial language. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A 1902 popular song.
Words by F. W. Sterns.
Music by Fred W. Vanderpool.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- When the evening shadows am a softly falling
And de golden sun a glidin’ down de west
And the little birds their mates am softly calling
When I go to meet the one I love the best
Tho’ her color’s rather dark I’m not complaining
‘Cause she am the little queen I idolize
And she said the marriage day she’d soon be naming
While I vowed last night while gazing in her eyes
Chorus
My dusky Lou-ou I wants but you-ou
I love you true-ue, indeed I do-oo
My heart am sighin’ with love I’m dyin’
Because I wants you for my own, my Dusky Lou
- Soon this dusky little charmer I’ll be weddin’
When de sweet magnolias blossom in de Spring
And the roses all their perfume am a sheddin’
And the mocking birds among the treetops sing
Still at times my lady love is fond of teasing
And altho’ I know its just her little way
With a tender smile her hand I’m often squeezing
As I kiss her ruby lips and softly say
Sung here by Vancha March: