[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
the last minstrel song, 1912
words and music by Eddie Leonard
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- When the cold days all over love, you and I will wed
Wedding bells will be ringing loud, telling what we said
Little birds will be singing love
Oh, listen to the mocking bird, complimenting you and me
I tell you little girlie I’ll work hard for you
If you listen to my plea, if you listen to my plea
Chorus
Roll them roly boly eyes, roll them honey to the skies
Oh, I could cry, yes I could die
I could lay myself down eat a piece of pie
Come along honey, and let me see you roll
Them roly boly eyes eyes eyes
- I never was in love before till I met Mary Ann
Just like a barrel of molassess, sweetest in the land
That same little bird will now sing
Oh, sing it little birdie sing, sing it just as hard as you can
Little girlie I will ne’er get tired of you
If you sing for Mary Ann, sing this song for Mary Ann
Sung here by Fred Feild: