[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
a pseudo-spiritual written for the minstrel show, 1879
words and music by James A. Bland
arranged by F. Louis
A lively minstrel song by James A Bland about preparations for the judgement day. Religion in minstrelsy was unusual. Written in 1874 when Bland was still 19 years old. The music has the spirit of a gospel song with suggestions of the cakewalk and ragtime which came later. It is referred to in I’ll Rise When the Rooster Crows by Uncle Dave Macon. It is also used for a fiddle tune. To get all the words in you have to slow it down. I mispronounced Bacco which refers to tobacco not bacon. A good “gang” song (for harmonizing).
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by Werner Tomaschewski:
Lyrics
- Oh, my golden slippers am alaid away
Kase I don’t ’spect to wear ’em till my weddin’day
And my long tail’d coat, dat I loved so well
I will wear up in de chariot in de morn
And my long white robe dat I boought last June
I’m gwine to git changed kase it fits too soon
And de ole gray hoss dat I used to drive
I will hitch him to de chariot in de morn
Chorus
Oh, dem golden slippers! Oh, dem golden slippers!
Golden slippers I’m gwine to wear, bekase dey look so neat
Oh, dem golden slippers! Oh, dem golden slippers!
Golden slippers Ise gwine to wear, to walk de golden street
2. Oh my ole banjo hangs on de wall
Kase it ain’t been tuned since way last fall
But de darks all say we will hab a good time
When we ride up in de chariot in de morn
Dar’s ole Brudder Ben and Sister Luce
Dey will telegraph de news to Uncle Bacco Juice
What a great camp meetin’ dere will be dat day
When we ride up in de chariot in de morn
- So, it’s good-bye, chidren, I will have to go
Whar de rain don’t fall or de Wind don’t blow
And yer ulster coats, why, yer will not need
When yer ride up in de chariot in de morn
But yer golden slippers must be nice and clean
And yer age must be just sweet sixteen
And yer white kid gloves yer will have to wear
When yer ride up in de chariot in de morn
Sung here by Fred Feild: