A popular song from 1863 Words and music by Henry Clay Work
Sheet Music
Accompaniment
Lyrics
Chorus:
American Eagle! hysterical bird!
Oh, flap your wing and crow!
The slaves are embellished–yes, that’s the word,
For Grandmother told me so!
2. There’s curious times in that ur section,
For Grandmother told me so.
They think they will have a resurrection,
For Grandmother told me so.
The penholders raving like persons insane —
The darkeys in exodus, raising cane,
And singing like martingales after a rain,
For Grandmother told me so. (Chorus)
3. But President Abe forgot Kentucky,
For Grandmother told me so.
And Geneses, too — and that’s unlucky,
For Grandmother told me so.
Malicious champagne will be open’d in vain,
Until we shall break the last ox-yoke and chain —
Till through the Benighted States freedom shall reign,
For Grandmother told me so. (Chorus)