Sheet Music, 1900-1909
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ISBN
MUM00682, 0124
Description
Cover: drawing of an African American preacher stealing a chicken; photo inset of Lew Dockstader in blackface; Publisher: Jos. W. Stern and Co. (New York)
Subject Headings (Library of Congress)
Songs -- United States -- 20th Century; Popular Music -- United States
Relational Format
music score
Original Format
scores
Original Collection
Sheldon Harris Collection (MUM00682), Archives and Special Collections, University of Mississippi Libraries
Finding Aid
Lyrics
Lyrics:
First verse
Deacon Johnson was a preachin' to his flock, At a big camp meetin' one day, At a big camp meetin' one day; When a brother who was sittin' list'nin' to his text, Got angry and was forced to say, Got angry and was forced to say: Brudder! how can you preach And expect to teach these folks how to be good? When I saw you dis morn' bout two, Right in my chicken coop? And any time a thief is round, My dogs commence to howl, I caught you fair, but you declared: You came to buy a fowl.'
Chorus
Jasper Johnson shame on you! You can't preach and rob me too! You might fool me no wand then, But you don't buy fowl at to A.M. I know what I'm talking about And I wants the people here to find you out; So they can all stand up and shout: Shame on you! Jasper Johnson shame on you! You can't preach and rob me too! You might fool me no wand then, But you don't buy fowl at to A.M. I know what I'm talking about And I wants the people here to find you out; So they can all stand up and shout: Shame on you!
Second verse
Deacon Johnson tried his best to square himself, Fore the congregation that day, Fore the congregation that day; He was gettin' awful angry when he loudly said: Bout me you should not talk that way, Bout me you should not talk that way, Brudder! please don't abuse Or ever accuse a full-fledged Christian man, I am the deacon of this church And one true son of Ham; The Good Book says: Thou shalt not steal!' With me you'll all agree, As I passed by that brother's house, That chicken followed me.
(Chorus)
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Some of the images and language that appear in the digital collections depict prejudices that are not condoned by the University of Mississippi. This content is being presented as historical documentation to aid in the understanding of both American history and the history of the University of Mississippi. The University Creed speaks to our current deeply held values, and the availability of this content should not be taken as an endorsement of previous attitudes or behavior.