[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A popular song from 1913.
Words and music by Clarence Gaskill.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. I’m the loneliest coon
I said the loneliest coon
Yes I’m the lonesomest coon in town
Why I can’t sing the songs I know
And can’t play the old banjo
All I do is sit aroun’ an’ frown
Now, I remember well, the day I went away
My old mammy told me I’d return some day
And she’s doggone right
‘Cause I’ll be home tonight
If I have to wait to catch the freight I’ll say
Chorus
I want to go, back to the land of cotton
And I want to see folks that cannot be forgotten
And I want to see Mandy Brown
I know she waits aroun’
Dressed in her gingham gown
“Way down in cotton town”
And I will take her to the nearest preacher
And she’ll never forget the lesson I will teacher ‘er
Gee! we’ll have some more jubilee
I know they wait for me
“Way down in cotton town”
2. Gee! it’s tough to be broke
I said it’s tough to be broke
And be just five hundred miles from home
Gee! I ain’t seen such pleasant times
I ain’t seen so many dimes
Since I left old cotton town to roam
Well, I know just exactly what I’m going to do
Ain’t no use in hangin’ ‘roun and feeling so blue
I will be right bold and have my fortune told
Then the reason why I’m sad I’ll tell to you
Sung here by Fred Feild: