Lyr Req: Smoky Mokes

Subject: LYR REQ: Smoky Mokes
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Jun 05 - 12:14 PM

I am trying to find the lyrics for the well known ragtime piece, "Smoky Mokes" by A. Holzmann.

A song version was published, but they are very hard to find, perhaps because they were "coon song" lyrics.

Does anyone have access to the sheet music? The only version I found on the web (American Memory) shows the cover only, and quotes phrases as follows:

Verse begins: Sharpen yo' razors

Chorus begins: Judges in de gall'ry

I would greatly appreciate someone furnishing the text. Even better would be a source for text and tune, as all I have is the sheet music for the band version, and trying to pick the song tune out of that involves a fair amount of guesswork.

Thanks all!

Subject: RE: LYR REQ: Smoky Mokes
From: masato sakurai
Date: 18 Jun 05 - 12:22 PM

The sheet music is at The Lester S. Levy Collection of Sheet Music (click on the title, and Page 1 below).

Title: Smoky Mokes. Cakewalk and Two-Step.
Composer, Lyricist, Arranger: Composed by A. Holzmann.
Publication: New York: Feist & Frankenthaler, 1227 Broadway, 42 West 30th St., 1899.

Subject: RE: LYR REQ: Smoky Mokes
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Jun 05 - 12:29 PM

Yes, but unfortunately, it has no words.

That sheet music is the band version I referred to above, and is instrumental only.

Frustrating! The lyrics to this rather common music are HARD to find.

Anyone got 'em???

Subject: RE: LYR REQ: Smoky Mokes
From: masato sakurai
Date: 18 Jun 05 - 12:36 PM

At American Memory.

(1) Smoky mokes : song, chorus & cake walk / words by W. Murdoch Lind ; music by A. Holzmann (New York : Feist and Frankenthaler, c1899). [with words]

(2) Smoky mokes; cakewalk and two-step (New York, New York, Feist and Frankenthaler, 1899).

Subject: RE: LYR REQ: Smoky Mokes
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Jun 05 - 12:40 PM

Got it!

Masato rules!!!!

Subject: Lyr Add: SMOKY MOKES (Lind, Holzmann)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 12:39 AM

The Library of Congress American Memory Collection

SMOKY MOKES
Words, W. Murdoch Lind. Music, A. Holzmann. 1899

1. Sharpen yo' razors. Bring all yo' ladies
Down to de old town hall.
Dar's going to be a ball.
Come niggers come one and all.
De walk fo' de cake will soon be commencin'.
Music will play sublime.
Dem smoky mokes am gwine to cut a dash.
Strike up de old ragtime.

CHORUS: Judges in de gall'ry say, "Oh me, oh my!"
'Taint no use to talk. Dey'll surely win dis cakewalk.
Watch dem stylish niggers full of fun and jokes.
Give 'em de prize. Dar ain't no flies upon dem Smokey Mokes.

2. See all de gals dressed up in de fashion
Doing de pasmala
Wid niggers as black as tar.
Dey promenade to de bar.
Dem big Smoky Mokes dey leads the procession.
Look at the hit dey make.
As sure's yer born, dem coons has got a cinch.
Dey's gwine to win dat cake. CHORUS

[Then follows an instrumental "cakewalk."]