A Diller, A Dollar (1955) (continued)

[Wilson Gray]

1910 version of "Shine"
  >
  > VERSE
  > When I was born they christened me plain Samuel Johnson Brown.
  > But I hadn't grown so very tall, 'fore some folks in this town
  > Had changed it 'round to "Sambo." I was "Rastus" to a few.
  > Then "Chocolate Drop" was added by some others that I knew.
  > And then, to cap the climax, I was strolling down the line
  > When someone shouted, "Fellas, hey! Come on and pipe the shine!"
  > But I don't care a bit.
  > Here's how I figure it:
  >
  > CHORUS
  >
  > Well, just because my hair is curly,
  > And just because my teeth is pearly,
  > Just because I always wears a smile,
  > Likes to dress up in the latest style.
  > Just because I'm glad I'm livin',
  > Takes trouble smilin', never whine.
  > Just because my color's shady,
  > Slightly different, maybe.
  > That is why they call me shine.


On Mar 27, 2005, at 3:14 PM, Robert Fitzke wrote:

> ---------------------- Information from the mail header
> -----------------------
> Sender:       American Dialect Society <ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
> Poster:       Robert Fitzke <fitzke at MICHCOM.NET>
> Subject:      Re: A Diller, A Dollar (1955) (continued)
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> --------
>
> Dear Mr. Gray:
>
> I'm a 79 year old semi-retired lawyer and long-time ADS lurker. I'm
> also a
> long-time collector of jazz  records (since age 12) with something
> more than
> 1,000 albums. I recently bought a CD of Frankie Laine hits (he was big
> in my
> late teens/early twenties) that includes a cut of "Shine". In
> listening to
> it I think I really heard the lyrics for the first time. The thought
> ocurred
> that there must be something more behind these lyrics than it appears
> from a
> casual listen. Specifically it seems as if the lyricist has taken a
> collection of derogatory racial comments and turned them into
> compliments.
>
> You seem to have an interest in music and a knowledge of these
> matters. Do
> you happen to know anything about the background behind this song or
> if my
> impression is on or off target?
>
> Will appreciate your comments.
>
> Bob Fitzke
>