[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A popular minstrel song from the year 1901.
Words and music by Irving Jones.
The sheet music:
Lyrics
1. There is a certain day that’s in the year
All coons should not forget
That one is St. Patrick’s Day
I’m thinking of the last one yet
On last se’nteenth day of March
About the hour of noon
I met an Irish bunch who yelled
“Let’s masacree the coon”
Then they crowded ’round me
And my eyes began to blink
One of them grabbed ahold me
And said, “Coon, come have a drink”
He said, “Drink something Irish”
And I quickly took the hint
I felt quite sick, but I yelled quick
“Get me have a glass of creme-de-menthe
Chorus
St. Patrick’s Day’s a bad day for coons
The only safe plan for us is balloons
Yellow coons must not be seen
If you drink, drink something green
St. Patrick’s Day’s a bad day for coons
2. Just then a high-toned yellow darky came
Cake walking down the street
He had on a pair of yellow gater-tops on his feet
He had on swell yellow gloves, also a yellow vest
And when those Irishmen saw that coon
I guess you know the rest
They quickly grabbed this darky
And he began to fight
They took his gun and razor
Then he tried to pass for white
They shaved him with his razor
And they fanned him with his gun
If you show him a shamrock now
That yellow coon is always sure to run