[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial language. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
a 1918 popular song
words and music by Clarence A. Stout
The sheet music:
Accompaniment:
Lyrics
1. Now Parson Brown one Sunday morn, was giving good advice
He warned his congregation to refrain from sin and vice
He drew a firey picture ’bout the devil down below
And said, “Folks, quit your sinnin’, or to him you’re bound to go
Why Hell is full of vampire women, whiskey, gin and dice
Make Satan get behind you now, prepare for Paradise”
Mose Johnson jumped up from his chair, said, “Parson is that true?
That Hell is full of what you said, then let me say to you
Chorus
If what you say is the positive truth
O Death where is thy sting?
I don’t care now ’bout the pearly gates
Or hear those angels sing
With booze and women down below
Mister devil and I will put on a show
If what you say is the positive truth
O Death where is thy sting?
2. The Parson said, “Now listen man, how come you talk that way
About, O Death where is thy sting, now listen what I say
I’ve tried to keep you in the path, that has no crooks or turns
And told you never play with fire, because fire always burns
You care not now for pearly gates or hear those angels sing
Remember you can’t fly with us, ’cause you won’t have no wings”
Mose Johnson then said, “Parson, what you have said might be so
But where there’s booze and chickens, I prefer to go below”
Sung here by Fred Feild: