[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A minstrel song from 1844
Words and music by J. P. Carter
Arranged by J. W. Turner
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by Benjamin R. Tubb:
Lyrics
- Souf Carlina I was born
I husk de wood an chop de corn,
De roastin car to de house I bring,
De nigger cotch me and I sing
[CHORUS]
Ring de hoop! blow de horn!
Cotch de niggers a stealin corn
Way down in de low groun fiel
3, 4 mile from Pompey’s heel.
- Dey took me out on a tater hill
Dey make ne dance against my will,
I dance all roun de tater hole
De niggers punch me wid a pole
[CHORUS]
Ring de hoop! blow de horn!
Cotch de niggers a stealin corn
Way down in de low groun fiel
3, 4 mile from Pompey’s heel
- Down de riber I spied a ship,
I slid down on my under lip,
Hop on board an cross de drink,
It make de niggers gizzard wind.
[CHORUS]
Ring de hoop! an blow de horn!
Nebher felt do glad sinc I was born;
Way down in de low groun fiel
3, 4 mile from Pompey’s heel.
- To Boston port I den sail roun,
Dey said de Dickens was in town;
I as dem who de Dickens was
Dey sed ’twas massa Pickwick Bos.
[CHORUS]
Ring de hoop! an blow de horn!
Mass Dickens eat de corn,
Way down in de low groun fiel
3, 4 mile from Pompey’s heel.
- Dey fed ole massa Box so tall
His trowsaloons dey grow too small;
In Boston I couldnt get any pickins
Case all de victuals went to de Dickens.
[CHORUS]
Ring de bell! an sown de gong!
Mass Dickens’ feedin strong,
Way down in de low groun fiel
3, 4 mile from Pompey’s heel