[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A 1904 popular song
Words and music by Hughie Cannon
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- Deere’s a happen-stance I’ll tell to you
Bout a big coon dat I know
He’s never doin’ nothin’, never says a word
He’s coppin’ ev’ry one’s dough
I’ll ask one question, please put me wise
Seen dis coon yesterday, buyin’ de town
Followed him just like a hound
I asked him, Kindly tell me how he hops de change
He never grumbled a sound
To save my life, now, I can’t get wise
Chorus
Do me just one favor, will you
Put me wise, Put me wise
I got to know How you get your dough
Have a little mercy, for de Land’s sake tell me
How you get your diamonds, tell me fore I dies
Have a little mercy for de Land’s sake put me wise
2. I’m working ev’ry day I’m working hard
Funny I can’t save a cent
It keeps me guessin’ and it keeps me thinkin’
Just how I’ll pay my rent
Oh, listen, white folk’s please put me wise
I’ve eaten ev’rything, clubfooted eels
I think I’ve eaten bees knees
But diamonds and niggers how dey gets along
Now won’t you tell me please
Oh, kindly tell me, just put me wise
Sung here by Fred Feild: