The following lyrics are copied from the sheet music at UCLA. Bert Williams recorded it, and his words vary only slightly:


BROTHER LOW DOWN
Words and music by Al Bernard and Larry Briers, ©1921.

1. Down in New Orleans
Is a preacher called Low Down.
Down in New Orleans
On the corners he is found,
Preaching night and day
To folks who pass his way.
He said: "The Good Book you must sho' obey,"
And when the law tried to run him in,
Brother Low Down he would say:

CHORUS: "Cap'n Buddy done got me a permit
For to preach in this here town.
Cap'n Buddy done told all of you cops
To lay right off of old Low Down.
Now all you satin blacks, choc'late browns,
When I pass this hat around,
If you want to keep from sin,
Drop your little nickels in
To help old brother Low Down."

2. Down in New Orleans,
Is a dance hall called Blue Moon.
Down in New Orleans,
They stiff-starch night and noon.
He went there one day
And started in to pray.
He said: "Old Low Down you must sho' obey,"
And when the folks tried to run him out,
Brother Low Down he did say:

"Now all you card players, crap shooters, bootleggers too,
Listen to me, sinners, and I'll tell you what to do:
If you disobeys me, den you better be afraid,
'Cause you know I totes a razor and I wields a wicked blade.
It costs me more for liquor at the place I gets it at,
So don't you go a-droppin' any lead dimes in my hat.
Low Down must have money so he won't get in a hole,
So keep old Low Down liquored up and he will save your soul.

CHORUS: "Cap'n Buddy done got me a permit
For to preach in this here town.
Cap'n Buddy done told all of you cops
To have respect for old Low Down.
Now all you old pool sharks, hear me right:
When I pass this hat tonight,
I will shout with all my might.
Help me, or there'll be a fight,
Yes, with old brother Low Down."