The first black American recording artist, George W. Johnson, sings his great hit The Laughing Song.

Company Edison's National Phonograph Company Cylinder # 4004 Category Comic song Title The Laughing Song Performed by George W. Johnson Circa 1898 Announcement "The Laughing Song, by Mr. George W. Johnson."

To hear The Laughing Song   — For help playing these sounds, click here.

— The original record slip (click for enlargement)

The Laughing Song
by George W. Johnson

As I was coming around the corner
I heard some people say,
"Here comes a dandy darky,
Here he comes this way,
His heel is like a snowplow,
His mouth is like a trap,
And when he opens it gently, 
You will see a fearful gap."

And then I laughed . . .

They said, "His mother was a Princess,
His father was a Prince,
And he'd been the apple of their eye
If he had not been a quince.
But he'll be the King of Africa 
In the sweet by and by",
And when I heard them say it, why
I laughed until I cried.

And then I laughed . . .

So now, kind friend, just listen
To what I'm going to say.
I've tried my best to please you 
With my simple little lay.
Now, whether you think it's funny, 
Or quite a bit of chaff,
Why all I'm going to do is 
Just to end it with a laugh.

And then I laughed . . .