[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A 1906 popular song.
Words by Edgar Malone.
Music by Ted S. Barron.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. ‘Twas in the dead of night
The neighbors got a fright
Sam Brown a shoutin’ Oh! Malinda
Won’t you open up dat window
Now Lindy weighed a ton
She said, we close at one
Sneak back again to whar you bin
A-shootin’ dice and a-drinkin’ gin
Cried Sam: Oh! pity me
And please throw down dat key
Chorus
Throw down dat key, listen to me
That cold night breeze will make me freeze
No more I’ll roam, but stay at home
Please let me in now, throw down dat key
2. Again that face of ink
And head with corkscrew kink
Was shoved out on that window sill
And Lindy shouted, Sam, you be still
You’ve vowed you’d stay with me
So, honey here’s de key
But Sam again one night stayed out
And at the door did loudly shout
Said she, don’t speak to me
And Sam, throw down dat key
Sung here by Fred Feild: