[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A popular song from 1900.
Words by W. S. Estren.
Music by Jas. T. Brymn.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. There was two little pickaninnies
One named Lize, and one named Jimmie
Ev’ry evening when the moon was shining bright
They’d stroll together down the levee
One heart light and on was heavy
‘Cause he’d tried in vain to win this gal each night
They’d stop beneath the old palmetto
There one night he first had met her
Then he’d beg her for his answer true and long
She’d sit and listen shily heeding
Shake her head to all his pleading
Then he’d sing to her this little lover’s song
Chorus
Say, Lize, will you be my honey?
Oh, Lize, I’ll give you all my money
That ain’t much ’tis true, but I love just you
And I’ll love you till the day I dies, my Liza
Now Lize, don’t say you will refuse me
Your eyes speak true and won’t abuse me
And you will be mine in next summer time
Then for me there’ll be no gal but Lize
2. Now Jim got tired of all this parlay
Set a trap to catch his dolly
Placed an alligator skin where she would go
Then begged her once again that evening
Told him she had been deceiving
Liked to hear him plead so she could answer no
Just then the moon began a peeping
Saw this monster t’ward her creeping
With a cry she called to him to save her life
But Jim was up among the branches
Said he couldn’t take the chances
Less she answered yes and soon would be his wife
Chorus
Say, Lize, will you be my honey?
Oh, Lize, I’ll give you all my money
That ain’t much ’tis true, but I love just you
And I’ll love you till the day I dies, my Liza
Yes, Jim, come down, I’ll be your honey
You, Jim, I wants and not your money
And I’ll be your wife, if you’ll save my life
For I love you and I’ll be your Lize