Historic Sheet Music Collection

Document Type

Score

Publication Date

1908

Comments

Words by Harry Williams
Music by Egbert Van Alstyne

Inset photo of Lew Dockstater in blackface on cover.

Macintosh Collection

Jerome H. Remick & Co. New York Detroit.

Cover illustration signed De Takacs

Copyright MCMVIII by Jerome H. Remick and Co.

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

Lyrics

VERSE 1
Old Peters was a “Patsy”,
His wifey ruled the day,
He didn’t dare, go out at night unless she was away,
So once he took the family,
And put them on the boat,
Said he: “go out and have some fun,
But I must be the goat.”
Then Peters dashed uptown
And said to bachelor Brown.

CHORUS 1
“It looks to me like a big night tonight,
Big night tonight, big night tonight.
For when the old cat’s away,
Why the mice want to play
And it looks like a big night tonight.”

VERSE 2
They started out that evening,
To paint the bloomin’ town,
Said Peters: “Let’s be devilish,”
“I’m with you, sir,” said Brown.
They got some chorus ladies,
And took them out to dine,
Then both of them decided
They would corner all the wine.
And ev’ry time it came
They’d warble this refrain.

CHORUS 2
“It looks to me like a big night tonight,
Big night tonight, big night tonight.
I sent the folks out to sea,
But they can’t see through me
So it looks like a big night tonight.”

VERSE 3
Old Peters like a lily
Began to fade away,
They piled him in a cab and took him home at break of day,
But when they turned the corner,
He gave a fearful shout,
A light was in the window,
And his wife was peeking out,
“Don’t leave me, boys,” said he,
“My finish I can see.”

CHORUS 3
“It looks to me like a big night tonight,
Big night tonight, big night tonight.
I sent the folks out to sea,
But they’re home Holy Gee!
Boys, it looks like a big night tonight.”

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The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author.