[Warning: racial terms. Presented in its original form as an important part of music history.]
a 1848 popular song
music written, arranged and sung by the Christy Minstrels
I added notes that were cut off the top of page two in the LOC scan. I felt it was important to demonstrate this song. If you can find the missing notes and lyrics I would appreciate it. I will then make corrections.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment:
Lyrics
1. ‘Tis a berry lovely night, and the moon shines bright
The clouds in de north am a-gwan out at sight
The …
… frogs dey want to come it, but dey cannot get a chance
Chorus
Oh! Mister Coon, your come too soon
De gals won’t be ready ‘fore tomorrow arternoon
Oh! Mister Coon, your come too soon
De gals won’t be ready ‘fore tomorrow arternoon
2. Just fotch along de Taters, an wee’l fry ’em in de pan
O help yourself to Possum fat, my charming Mary Ann
A nice bowl ob Coon Soup, am just de berry ting
To clear away de cobwebs, an’ let a darkey sing
3. De White Bird and Black Bird, settin’ in de grass
Preach amalgamation, to de Bobalinks dat pass
To carry out de doctrine, dey seem a little loth
So den comes along a Pigeon Hawk and lebies on dem both
4. Eberlina wash de dishes, Juliana bring de broom
An Lizy sett de chairs back, all around de room
Mr. Coon am a Genbleum, I spect him here tonight
He’s cuming round de corner gals, jes try an be perlite
5. Now take youre places Musickers, lets hear dem dulcum tones
Wee’l dance to de music, ob de Banjo and de Bones
Balance to your partners all, and keep widin de tune
Your too fast altogether, my worthy Mr. Coon
6. So, now cum again tomorrow all, in de arternoon
For really sirs you hab cum, a little while too soon
Allow me de honor, to say to you good night
For de gals are getting tired, and its most daylight
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Sung here by Fred Feild: