[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A popular song from 1899.
Words by Dr. J. W. Magruder.
Music by J. R. Lohmeyer.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. I love a coon, indeed I do
I’ll leave all other common niggers for you
He ain’t no yaller sammon tin-horn guy
For ev’rything he wants he can always buy
So, I’m his babe when he’s throwing the bones
And when he gets thro’ brings his money all home
Then says my honey, “You’se been so true
I’ll give you this, my darling Lou”
Chorus
So how could I ever leave this coon of mine
Since he has always treated me so fine?
No lemon-colored niggers done cut a bit of figger
Since I have met that man
I’d sooner think of cutten off my head
Than ever for a minute cut him dead
I’se always gwine to love him, that’s a cinch
For he is my Zulu Prince
2. He’s just as black as a coon could be
But that don’t matter, ‘cos he’s good to me
He buys my clothes, and rushes the can
I couldn’t love a nigger like I love that man
You ought to see when we go out at night
He always has his razor, in case there is a fight
The hottest thing you ever did see
And all he’s got belongs to me