[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
a 1920 popular song
words and music by Jean C. Havez
This song appeared in the Kolb and Dill great laughing festival called “Wet and Dry”
The sheet music:
Lyrics
- There he lies in mammy’s arms
My kinky headed boy
Lord knows he is black, but he’s
His mammy’s pride and joy
Don’t nobody in this world
Know just how glad I am
When I hold this lump of sweetness
Pickanniny Sam
Chorus
Pickanniny Sam, my, how proud I am
Some day you’ll grow up and be a great big man
Sleep on mammy’s breast, angels guard your rest
They’ll watch over my own darling
Pickanniny Sam
- White folks say that Heav’ns a place
Where only white folks go
They say all the angels there
Are just as white as snow
I don’t care how black you is
My own sweet precious lamb
Ain’t no angel half as good as
Pickanniny Sam
Sung here by Fred Feild: