The lyrics below are from the sheet music at Johns Hopkins University (Levy Collection). You can hear Bert Williams' recording of this song at The Internet Archive.


SAVE A LITTLE DRAM FOR ME
Words & Music by Will. E. Skidmore and Marshall Walker. ©1920.

1. In the middle of his sermon, Parson Johnson rose and started sniffin' the air.
A familiar smell was ticklin' up the parson's nose; it told him gin was 'round somewhere.
He closed his Bible gently in the middle of the psalm,
And started figur'n' ment'ly where that smell was comin' from.
His eye scanned ev'ry pew
And then he did declare:
"I 'nounce this meetin' through
Until you kick in with my share.

CHORUS: "Oh, brethren, if you wants more preachin',
Save a little dram for me. (Glory hallelujah!)
Drinkin' gin ain't against my teachin'.
Treat me with equality.
{Now from that smell it's plain to see,
Somebody here is holdin' out on me,}*
So brethren, if you wants more preachin',
Save a little dram for me.

2. "When they passed that bone-dry law, I was the very first to say it never would stay.
Neither did I think the law could regulate our thirst; that's why I got none stored away.
Now since prohibition's got us, drinks are few and far between.
Of all the stingy brothers, you're the worst I ever seen.
I insists on my share.
Don't say it's all run out,
Or else you'll go to where
That bad place I been preachin' 'bout. CHORUS TWICE

* [On second and third chorus substitute:]
2. I've shared your joy and shared your sin.
You bet your life I's gwine to share your gin.
3. Just slip me mine; one shot's enough.
I'll show you how a preacher struts his stuff.