Detail of ad for Hutchinson Family Concert, New York Times, 1 November 1853: CLICK TO SEE WHOLE AD |
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Words by Eliza Cook Music by Asa B. Hutchinson Boston: Oliver Ditson, 1853. at their concerts throughout the Union.] Topsy neber was born, Neber had a moder; Specks I growed a nigger brat, Just like any oder. Whip me till the blood pours down Ole Missus used to do it; She said she'd cut my heart right out But neber could get to it, Got no heart I don't belieb Niggers do without 'em, Neber heard of God or Love, So can't tell much about 'em. [CHORUS:] This is Topsy's savage song Topsy's cute and clever, Hurrah then for the white man's right Slavery forever! I 'spects I'se very wicked, That's jist what I am; Ony you jist give me a chance, Won't I rouse ole Sam. 'Tain't no use in being good Cos I'se black ye see, I neber cared for nothing yet, And nothing cares for me. Ya! ya! ya! Miss Feely's hands Dun know how to grip me Neber likes to do no work And won't widout they whip me. [CHORUS:] This is Topsy's savage song Topsy's cute and clever, Hurrah then for the white man's right Slavery forever! Don't you die, Miss Evy, Else I go dead too; I knows I'se wicked, but I'll try And be all good to you. You have taught me better things, Though I'se nigger skin, You have found poor Topsy's heart Spite of all its sin. Don't you die Miss Evy dear, Else I go dead too, Though I'se black I'se sure that God Will let me go wid you. [CHORUS:] This is Topsy's human song Under love's endeavor, Hurrah then for the white child's work Humanity forever! |
PERFORMED BY GLIMPSE OF GLORY LEAD VOCAL: Constance Harrington CHORUS: Constance Harrington (Soprano) Kay Buchanan (Alto) David Tate (Tenor) James Stewart (Bass) PIANO: Lynne Mackey Recorded by Bill Dudley Produced by Bill Wellington Harrisonburg, Virginia Audio encoding at the Digital Media Lab, Clemons Library, University of Virginia  CLICK TO ENLARGE |