Historic Sheet Music Collection

Authors

Rosa Lee

Document Type

Score

Publication Date

1847

Comments

the favorite Negro song
Rosa Lee, or, Don't be foolish Joe
Sung by the Ethiopian Serenaders, Christy's Minstrels, and others
arranged with chorus & accompaniments for the piano forte.

Some of the resources may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes. Such materials should be seen in the context of the time period and as a reflection of attitudes of the time. The items are part of the historical record, and do not represent the views of the libraries or the institution.

Lyrics

When I lib'd in Tennesse
Uliali olae
I went courtin Rosa Lee
Uliali olae
Eyes as dark as winter night
Lips as red as berry bright
When first I did her wooing go
She said now dont be foolish Joe.
Uliali olae
Courtin down in Tennessee
Uliali olae
'Neath de wild Banana tree

I said you lubby Gal dats plain,
Uliali olae.
Breff as sweet as sugar cane,
Uliali olae.
Feet so large and comely too,
Might make a cradle oh each shoe,
Rosa take me for you beau,
She said now dont be foolish Joe!
Uliali olae
Courtin down in Tennessee
Uliali olae
'Neath de wild Banana tree

My story yet is to be told,
Uliali olae.
Rosa cotch'd a shocking colld,
Uliali olae.
Send de Doctor, fetch de Nurse,
Doctor came but make her worse,
I tried to make her laugh but No
She said, now dont be foolish Joe.
Uliali olae
Courtin down in Tennessee
Uliali olae
'Neath de wild Banana tree.

Dey give her up no power could save,
Uliali olae.
She ax me follow to her grave,
Uliali olae.
I take her hand 'twas cold as death,
So cold I hardly draw my breff,
She saw my tears in sorrow flow,
And said farewell my dearest Joe.
Uliali olae
Courtin down in Tennessee
Uliali olae
'Neath de wild Banana tree.





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