[Written at a time when derogatory stereotypes were used commonly for entertainment. No hatred here.]
a 1917 popular song
words by Alex Gerber
music by Maurice Abrahams
This scene represents the importance of King Cotton in 1917. The country was dance crazy. This song could accompany swingy fox trots and lindys. One of many (dance party) ball songs. Deacon Jones and Parson Brown are recurring song characters.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment:
Lyrics
- Go and get your lady fair, and take her down I’ll tell you where
Tonight there’s some sight at the cotton pickers ball
Everybody will be there, so prepare to do your share
Don’t you dare to miss it I declare
Chorus
Let’s go to the cotton picker’s ball (we’re all invited)
There’s a hot time there for one and all (you’ll be delighted)
That’s the place they syncopate every one will celebrate
While the music’s swellin’ sweeter than the watermelon
You’ll see Mammy dance with Parson Brown (it’s worth the money)
And see Deacon Jones act like a clown (he’s very funny)
And when they play the Memphis Blues
The folks all walk like kangaroos
While dancing at the Cotton Pickers Ball
- Hurry up please honey do, for if you miss it you’ll feel blue
There’ll never be another cotton pickers ball
All the folks are wearing smiles, they will come from miles and miles
They’ll be dressed up in the latest styles
Sung here by Fred Feild: