[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A popular song from 1901.
Words and music by Charles W. Walker.
Arrangement by Fred Ireland.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. A cakewalk that will cause a great sensation
That they will talk about in future history
Will be contested for this very evening
By the high-toned colored aristocracy
Each coon will bring his most bewitching baby
Strive with might and main the prize to take
But they’re too slow for me, you know
I’m the coon that’s gwine to captivate that cake
Chorus
When you see my baby, and I get on the floor
Such style and grace you never saw before
The hearts of all those other coons will break
When walking for that sugar-coated cake
2. There’s sure to be a genuine commotion
When they see Shasa in that hall tonight
My clothes cut in the very latest fashion
And my diamonds flashing like electric light
I won’t forget to take along my razor
If a coon there dares to make a break
I’ll carve him deep, put him to sleep
When I’m tripping with my baby for that cake