[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
(I thought I was a winner)
a 1896 comic song
words and music by Bert A. Williams
The sheet music:
Lyrics
1. I had a girl and her name was Pearl
I thought her heart was mine
I gave a French dinner
For I thought I was a winner
I’d have bet my life ‘gainst a dime
I told her how I loved her
But she said she’d not be mine
Then I told her I was sweller
Than any other feller
But this was her reply
Chorus
Well, I don’t know you’re not so swell
There’s other gents as fine as you
O, I don’t know, you may be swell
But there are others as swell as you
2. There is a dude away down the line
Who thinks he’s bound to shine
Parts his hair in the middle
Of cash he has but little
Pearl thinks he’s super fine
‘Twas only just last Sunday
That I saw them on Broadway
Then I got Miss Lena Fleet
And passed them on the street
And this is what I said
Chorus
Well, I don’t know you’re not so swell
There’s other brands as fine as you
O, I don’t know, you may be swell
But there are others as swell as you
3. A big fine dog while out for a walk
Met a poodle on the street
But the poodle wasn’t pretty
IN fact he looked right gritty
He hadn’t been washed for a week
But a lady took him with her
And she washed him in cologne
And next day appearing neat
Passed the mastiff on the street
And this is what he said
Chorus
Well, I don’t know you’re not so fine
There’s other dogs as fine as you
O, I don’t know, you’re fine enough
But there are others as fine as you
4. A coon went out to serenade
His girl in Thompson Street
With his banjo in his hand
I tell you he looked grand
From his head down to his feet
But soon another feller
Who was courting that same girl
With his razor in his hand
Cut the serenading man
And sang him this refrain
Chorus
Well, I guess not, you’re not so gay
There’s other coons as gay as you
O, I don’t know, you may be warm
I don’t play music and I’m not so cold
Sung here by Fred Feild: