The recent discussion surrounding politically correct songs and
evidence of racism in songs from the early part of this century has
been very intriguing and educational.

However, there is at least one song of that era which promotes
anti-racism: "My Sugar-Coated Chocolate Boy."  Despite the racist sound
of its title, the lyrics lean very much in the opposite direction.

I discovered this roll on the clearance rack at Player Piano Company.
Since I collect rolls that depict social and cultural history, I found
the title intriguing.  I expected the roll to contain derogatory ethnic
humor.  But when I got it home and played it, I was very much surprised
by its anti-racist message, especially since the roll was published in
1919!

The lyrics follow:

"My Sugar-Coated Chocolate Boy" by Mahoney & Loos.  Played by
Les Hoadley.  Imperial Songrecord 9892 (1919)

(Verse)
  "My honey, brush your tears away;
   I know you're feeling sad today;
   The white boys will not let you play;
   Your little heart is grieving.
   They call'd you a name, I know it's a shame,
   I love you just the same.

(Chorus)
  "Honey, don't cry if they don't play with you;
   It breaks my heart to see you pine, baby mine, baby mine,
   You know the good Lord loves the darkies, too.
   He draws no color line;
   That's what your daddy used to say.
   His heart was gold with no alloy.
   If he were here, you'd be his joy.
   My honey, you look just like your poppy.
   You're a carbon copy,
   My sugar-coated choc'late boy.

(Verse)
  "White beauty is skin deep, that's true.
   They may be just as black as you;
   Your heart is of the whitest hue;
   My honey, you're just colored.
   On the golden stair, angels hear your pray'r.
   Whether you're black or fair."

(Chorus)


This roll is a treasure because it contains lyrics rarely seen in other
rolls of that era.

Joyce Brite
Player Piano and Mechanical Music Exchange     * Buy - Sell - Trade *
http://www-personal.ksu.edu/~brite/