[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A popular song from 1911.
Words by Earle C. Jones.
Music by Chas. N. Daniels.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. Climbing vines and the moss rose twines
‘Round the cabin where my dark Diana sleeps
Night winds sigh, and the hoot owl’s cry
Is enough to give a darky the creeps
Sleep, my baby, and we’ll, maybe
Sing beneath your window shade
Come on, boys, stop your fun and noise
Get you ready for the serenade
Serenade
Go to sleep, ma dark Diana
Sleep and dream of me
You are the sweetest gal in old Savannah
Anyone can see
While you dream your boy will plan a
Weddin’ soon to be
I’m so glad that you had
Me to be the lucky lad
When my dark Diana dreams of me
2. I’se afraid, for the everglade
Seems to croon a scary lullaby to you
Folks declare there’s a ghost in there
And I ‘spect the spook is after us two
Our teeth chatter, it don’t matter
We ain’t scared of no ole shade
Come boys, sing, let your banjos ring
An’ repeat the tune that we just played
Sung here by Fred Feild: