Phoebe

[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]

An Ethiopian Lullaby from 1894
Words by Thomas Le Mack
Music by Andrew Mack

[Source: Detroit Public Library, Music and Drama;
The Hackley Collection;
Digital ID: dpl-hac-11087.dc
OCLC Record ID: 50678638]

Accompaniment by Benjamin R. Tubb:

Phoebe – MIDIDownload
  1. “Tell me what you does with all your money,” says Phoebe,
    “Tell me how you gits rid of all your money,” says Phoebe!
    I takes our the dice and rolls dem, so!
    Is dat you seven? Mm, Mm? No, so!
    Oh, dat’s de way my money does go, Phoebe!

Refrain:
“Oh, Oh, Oh, please lemme know, Phoebe,
If you love me, tell me so!
“Oh, Oh, Oh, please lemme know; Phoebe,
If you love me, tell me so!

Chorus:
Stars are shining,
The moon am climbing,
Meet me, Phoebe Jane!
Come, my honey, I’se got money,
Come, my honey, I’se got money,
And we’ll take de train. train.

  1. “When the wint’ry winds begin to blow,” says Phoebe,
    “Nothing then in sight, for to eat, but snow,” says Phoebe!
    I gathers the money layin’ round,
    You saves yours up and I saves mine down;
    Oh! hold your job, we’ll own this town, Phoebe!