I’d Rather See a Minstrel Show (ZIEGFELD FOLLIES OF 1919)

From “ZIEGFELD FOLLIES OF 1919,” 1919.
Words and Music by Irving Berlin.
Cover Art Henry Clive.
Copyright ©30 Sep 1919.
Sheet Music from the collection of Michael Deatz.


The sheet music:


Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:


Lyrics

I never cared about the drama
The drama always got my “hammer”
I came from sunny Alabama
Home of the Minstrel show
I think revues are always “bloomers”
They all depend upon costumers
You can have the plays
That are all the craze
At two dollars a throw

Chorus:
I’d rather see a minstrel show
Than any other show I know
Oh! those comical folks
With their riddles and jokes
Here is the riddle that I love the best
“Why does a chicken go?”
You know the rest
I’d pawn my overcoat and vest
To see a minstrel show


Sung by Laurence Rubenstein: