{DISCLAIMER: This song contains antiquated racial language. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A 1896 popular song and chorus.
Words and music by John T. Kelly.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. Away down South in the State of Alabama
There’s a dusky wench I love a ‘deed I do
She is mighty stout an hefty
Is my little yaller Hannah
And she calls me her baby too
Says she, “I love yer honey
But you hasn’t got no money
An’ it takes a heap of dollars for to wed”
I’ve money now to burn
To Hannah I’ll return
Today I wrote my lady love and said
Chorus
Tell all the coons I’m a comin’
Put on your Sunday meeting gown
Tell all the sporty niggars
Bring ‘long their stylish figgers
Tell them yer baby is comin’ to town
2. When I arrive, let the wenches all be singing
Have the colored bands a playing might fine
And let ev’ry one assemble
When my special train is ringing
For your baby will be on time
I cause a great sensation
‘Mong the colored population
And ma Hannah she’ll be proud of me, you bet
Have Parson Jones on hand
To join the wedding band
Remember, Honey, sure and don’t forget
Sung here by Fred Feild: