When the Robert E. Lee Arrives in Old Tennessee

[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]

All the way from gay Paree.
A 1918 popular song.
Words by J. Keirn Brennan.
Music by Paul Cunningham.

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The sheet music:

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Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:

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Lyrics

1. You remember how the Robert E. Lee
   Used to be the ship that sailed the Mississippi
   Last September she left Old Tennessee
   She’s a transport sailing the sea
   Tho’ she’s carried over thousands of men
   She’ll bring them back home again, and then

Refrain
When the Robert E. Lee
Arrives in Old Tennessee
There’s goin’ to be some jubilee
You’ll see gray-haired Mammy Jinnys
Waiting for their soldier piccaninnies
And when each dusky Yank
Steps on that old river bank
Oh, how happy we’ll be
There’ll be darkies parley-vooing
All about the war
There’ll be chicken stewing
Like they never had before
When the Robert E. Lee
Arrives in Old Tennessee
All the way from Gay Paree

2. Wait until we hear that old whistle blow
   Then we’ll go a rushing down around the levee
   To each Dixie darkey we used to know
   What a welcome we’re goin’ to show
   You’ll see ev’rybody dancing with joy
   Wait till they yell “Ship Ahoy!” Oh, boy

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