Sheet Music, 1910-1919
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Files
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ISBN
MUM00682, 0065
Description
Cover: drawing of an African American minister walking away from a church with an African American woman -- his Bible is left on the road; photo inset of singer Rae Samuels; Publisher: Skidmore (Kansas City)
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
Old Deeacon Johnson was a preachin' man, The black sky pilot of old Dixie-Land Had never miss'd a Sunday rain or shine, Was always in his pulpit right on time One day a dark-skinned damsel blow'd in town Somebody started scandalation round Next Sunday morn they found the church door lock'd This was the only word the Deacon left his lonely flock.
First Chorus
It takes a Long, Tall, Brown-Skin Gal to make a preacher lay his Bible down For twenty years I'se pass'd Joy by but now I'm goin' to get mine till I die I always thought that preachin' was my line but since I met this gal I chang'd my min', It takes a Long Tall Brown-Skin Gal to make a preacher lay his Bible down. It takes a Long Tall Brown-Skin Gal to make a preacher lay his Bible down.
Second verse
When Deacon Johnson took his Brown away, The congregation tried to make him stay They promis'd him if he would not leave town They wouldn't come between him and his Brown The deacon studied and declar'd at last It ain't no use, my preachin' days is past I never realized where Heaven lies until today when I look'd down into my baby's eyes.
Second chorus
It takes a Long, Tall, Brown-Skin Gal to make a preacher lay his Bible down For twenty years I'se pass'd Joy by but now I'm goin' to get mine till I die I always thought that preachin' was my line but since I met this gal I chang'd my min', It takes a Long Tall Brown-Skin Gal to make a preacher lay his Bible down.
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