Don’t be foolish, Joe, 1847.
words and music by Ethiopian Serenaders
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by Benjamin R. Tubb:
Lyrics
1. When I lib’d in Tennessee
U-li-a-li o-la-e
I went courtin Rosa Lee
Uliali olae
Eyes as dark as winter night
Lips as red as berry bright
When first I did her wooing go
She said now don’t be foolish, Joe
Chorus
Uliali elae
Courtin down in Tennesse
Uliali olae
‘Neath de wild Banana tree
2. I said you lubby Gal dats plain
Uliali olae
Breff as sweet as sugar cane
Uliali olae
Feet so large and comely too
Might make a cradle ob each shoe
Rosa take me for your beau
She said now don’t be foolish, Joe
3. My story yet is to be told
Uliali olae
Rosa cotch’d a shocking cold
Uliali olae
Send de Docter, fetch de Nurse
Doctor came but make her worse
I tried to make her laugh but No
She said, now don’t be foolish, Joe
4. Dey give her up no power could save
Uliali olae
She ax me follow to her grave
Uliali olae
I take her hand ‘twas cold as death
So cold I hardly draw my breff
She saw my tears in sorrow flow
And said farewell my dearest Joe
Final chorus
Uliali olae
Rosa sleeps in Tennessee
Uliali olae
‘Neath de wild Banana tree
Sung here by Fred Feild: