[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A new Negro melody, 1902.
Words by Hugh Morton.
Music by William Marion Cook.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. In me you see the product
Of the latest female fad
Of higher education
Quite a quantity I’ve had
Je parle Francais, Und spreche Deutsch
Ach, Ja! Oui Tout aufait
But English has the dearest charms
When I hear people say
Chorus
Ev’ryone loves a Parthenia Johnsing
Kase she is so fair
Ev’ryone says a Parthenia Johnsing’s
‘Way beyond compare
Evah you see a Parthenia Johnsing
Prancin’ down the street
You’se boun’ to say Um-um, Parthenia
My! You sho’ is sweet
2. My Papa’s reputation
As the leader of his set
And my higher education
Makes me quite the social pet
At ev’ry high-toned gathering
And at ev’ry swell affair
As soon as I step in the hall
You hear the folks declare