[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
from Edward Harrigan’s 1883 comic play “Cordelia’s Aspirations”
words by Edward Harrigan
music by Dave Braham
This song has the first mention of the cakewalk in lyrics. The cakewalk is believed to have started as a mockery by slaves of the aristocratic dancing done by plantation owners. It became a bonafide and proud dance style and music of its own by the 1880s.
The sheet music:
Lyrics
- Sam Johnson is de sexton
Of Zion’s Bethel church
Oh come along, you children
Don’t hang back in de lurch
Hear de harp and de flute
Sam’el Johnson beats de big bass drum
Hear de horn, and de fi’d
Oh, tell all de neighbors to come
Dars a cake all full of raisins
And dat’s de raisin why
We’re assembled here together
To win dat cake we’ll try
Chorus
All round the room we’re waltzing
Ladies and gents so shy
With steps so majestic! oh, my! oh, dear!
Oh, white folks, it’s no use to try
Dis music would set you dreaming
Lovingly sigh and talk
We’ll dance till the morning is beaming
At Sam Johnson’s colored cake walk
- We children have our pleasure
In harm’ny sweet and mild
Oh, come along, dear papa
And watch your little child
Hear de harp and de flute
Sam’el Johnson beats de big bass drum
Hear de horn, and de fi’d
Oh, tell all de neighbors to come
Be careful of your footsteps
And always point your toe
Tread lightly on de carpet
Do try to be jus’ so - Dar’s ginger and dar’s citron
Dar’s pruens full of juice
All in dis cake called angel
Oh, cut dese children loose
Hear de harp and de flute
Sam’el Johnson beats de big bass drum
Hear de horn, and de fi’d
Oh, tell all de neighbors to come
As gently as a feather
Or the falling of the snow
Dese children walk together
You could not ax for mo’ - Deres Georgy and deres Samuel
Dars Julia, Jane, and Ad
With cousin Joe and Lemuel
All smiling at dere dad
Hear de harp and de flute
Sam’el Johnson beats de big bass drum
Hear de horn, and de fi’d
Oh, tell all de neighbors to come
Now, children, don’t you tarry
Keep moving wide awake
If home you wish to carry
Sam Johnson’s citron cake
Sung here by Fred Feild: