[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A popular song from 1901
Words by Ernest Hogan
Music by Will Accooe
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. Of all the men of history
‘Tis said I’se the mystery
As conjerman I’se the King
For I’se well versed in psychology
Knows all about phrenology
In ethnology I’se the thing
I can tell you what you are
By the feeling of your bump
And in the myst’ries of the future
I can certainly make you jump
When I has an inspiration
All the future I can see
I can tell you what you are and wus
And what you’re gwine to be
Chorus
Dat’s the reason why they call me
The phrenologist coon
I was born on Friday mornin’
With the ‘clipse of the moon
After feelin’ of your bump
and your face I’ve read
By just feelin’ in your pocket
I can tell what’s in your head
Dat’s de reason why they call me
The phrenologist coon
2. Now by us scientists ’tis often said
If a coon has an egg-shaped head
Means chickens he will steal
And if his face looks like a frog
And head shaped like a hog
He can’t keep a secret, he will squeal
If his head’s shaped like a melon
It’s no sign that he’s insane
But if his head looks like a bucket
He’s got water on the brain
If his head’s shaped like a razor
You can bet that coon will cut
If his head looks like a billy goat
Beware! dat coon will butt
Sung here by Fred Feild: