[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A popular song from 1866
Words and Music by Ned Straight
Arranged by T. Bigham Bishop
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by Benjamin R. Tubb:
Lyrics
- I’m a pickaninny nig,
I am some what on a jig.
I’m a fancy little coon
And I doesn’t care a fig
I can beat old uncle Snow
De best way he can go
I will clean de whole caboodle
Den ye peoples watch my toe
Chorus
Den open up your eyes
And watch me do a jig.
I know I’ll please you all
In de pickaninny nig.
I will try to please you all
With this my ratling jig
I’ll tear myself to pieces
I’m the pickaninny nig.
- I can plunk de old banjo
In a way dat isnt slow
I can play de old jaw bone
And can use de fiddle bow
Oh! I feel so drefful sprisce
Dat I’ll turn myself aloose
And go in for a fracus
Kase I’se sound upon de goose. - How a scientific moke
Never need to be dead broke.
He’ll never need be hungry
Never want for drink or smoke.
Learn to cut a pigeon wing
Gib you foot a little fling
And sail in Old Persimmons
You’re a Pickaninny King