From The Library of Congress American Memory Collection:

[This is one of 18 songs bound together with a cover that says:]
THE ONLY CORRECT &
AUTHORIZED EDITION.
MUSIC OF THE
ETHIOPIAN SERENADERS [A minstrel troupe.]

BUFFALO GALS
[1848]

1. As I was lumb'ring down de street,
Down de street, down de street,
A handsome gal I chanced to meet.
Oh! She was fair to view.

CHORUS: Buffalo gals, can't you come out tonight?
Can't you come out tonight? Can't you come out tonight?
Buffalo gals, can't you come out tonight
And dance by de light ob de moon?

2. I ax'd her would she hab some talk,
Hab some talk, hab some talk.
Her feet covered up de whole sidewalk
As she stood close to me.

3. I ax'd her would she hab a dance,
Hab a dance, hab a dance.
I taught dat I might get a chance,
To shake a foot wid her.

4. I'd like to make dat gal my wife,
Gal my wife, gal my wife.
I'd be happy all my life
If I had her by me.