[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial language. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A 1912 popular song.
Words by Andrew B. Sterling
Music by Harry Von Tilzer
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by Jonathan Parks:
Lyrics
- Look, look, what is that I see?
What is that I see out in the dark
It’s an awful sight all dressed in white
A Ghost with eyes that spark
See, see, see it watching me
Gee, it looks just like the Goblin man
Though he died last year, he’s back he’s here
And now he’s goin’ to catch you if he can
He’s over there, he’s over there
He’s ev’rywhere, take care, take care
Chorus
The Ghost of the Goblin man
The Ghost of the Goblin man
Run away, run away fast as you can
Or you’ll get fried in his big frying pan
Look out, ’cause you won’t hear him shout
He’ll creep soft as he can
Here he comes, see the fire in his eyes
Here he comes, oh I wish that I could fly
Great big hook in hand
The Ghost of the Goblin man
- Look, look, can’t you see him now?
Can’t you see him now right over there
With his big harpoon and ragtime tune
He walks right on the air
See, see, once he used to be
Black as ink before they had him canned
Now he’s back tonight, all dressed in white
Take care, he’ll gobble you up in his hand
He’s creeping near, he’s creeping near
He’s over there, no, no, he’s here
Sung here by Fred Feild: