[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
From the musical “Bandana Land”, 1908
Words by Mord Allen
Music by J. Lubrie Hill
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. Miss Belladonna Sophie Brown
Has been to gay Paree
A ladies maid, a first class job
In a first class family
The lady that she worked for
Gave her all her cast off clothes
That’s why Darktown is all upset
Where e’er Miss Bella goes
Chorus
Oh there’s trouble down in old Darktown
Since Bella’s come with the new Sheath gown
Imported walk and smile
And all that foreign style
And all the girls are badly hurt
When they watch her flirt
That see-more skirt
Oh the sheath gown has caught Darktown
And will hold it for a while
2. Miss Bella’s got most all the fellows
Kneeling at her feet
And all the prim and proper damsels
In a full retreat
But there are some well formed ones
Who are saying with a wink
Of course it’s simply shocking
But it’s stunning don’t you see
Sung here by Fred Feild: