[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A popular song from 1903
Words and music by Nathan Bivins
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. There is a yaller gal, she lives up yonder
I have often tried to know her name
She dresses like a queen, she is a wonder
She’s enough to drive a man insane
I saw her at the ball the other evening
A dancin’ with a coon who’s nearly white
She danced with pretty grace, a smile upon her face
I never knew what love was till that night
Chorus
‘Deed, she cert’nly looks good to me
I’d like to be in her company
Tried in vain to meet that dame
I’d give anything just to know her name
I’d sing and dance the whole night long
Entertain her till she’s gone
She’s done filled my heart with glee
‘Cause she cert’nly looks good to me
2. If she could only know how much I love her
I think she’d send a note for me to call
Her eyes they shine like twinkling stars above her
I’ve seen some beauts, but this one beats ’em all
She goes out riding in an automobile
I saw her in the park this afternoon
She passed me with a smile, I watch’d her for a mile
Then to myself I sadly humm’d this tune
Sung here by Fred Feild: