[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
That Cooney, Spooney Rag from 1909
Originally an instrumental solo in 1908
Words by Irving Berlin
Music by Ted Snyder
The sheet music:
Lyrics
- Talk of yo’ looney coons
Talk of yo’ spoony coons
Lover of coony tunes
Jackson was the leader of a big brass band
Understand
While at a ball one night
Miss Lucinda Morgan White
Yelled out with all her might
When he started playing some familiar tune
She just cried with delight
Chorus
If you love yo’ babe, play that tune for me
Just because I feel so funny
Honey I don’t care for money
I’m goin’ crazy, that rag’s a daisy
I just can’t make my feeling behave
Play that tune again
Mighty soon again
Honey, don’t you start to scold
I’m feeling like a two year old
When I hear that strain
Gwine to cry again
Play me some Wild Cherry Rag
- Talk of yo’ wedding chimes
Talk of yo’ champagne wines
Talk of yo’ scand’lous times
Mister Jackson married Miss Lucinda White
Sunday night
Just as the knot was tied
Parson had blessed the bride
Jackson stood by her side
When the music played that lovin’ weddin’ march
Miss Lucinda just cried
Chorus
If you love yo’ babe, play that tune for me
No I’m not a blowin’ hon but
I feel like goin’ some
I’m goin’ crazy that rag’s a daisy
I just can’t make my feeling behave
Play that tune again
Mighty soon again
Oh, you seven come eleven!
Hon I’m goin’ straight to heav’n
When I hear that strain
Gwine to cry again
Play me some Wild Cherry Rag