Lyrics:
First verse
When I lib'd in Tennesse Uliali olae I went courtin Rosa Lee Uliali olae Eyes as dark as winter night Lips as red as berry bright When first I did her wooing go She said now donnt be foolish Joe. Uliali elae Courtin down in Tennesse Uliali olae ‘Neath de wild Banana tree
Second verse
I said you lubby Gal dats plain, Uliali olae. Breff as sweet as sugar cane, Uliali olae, Feet so large and comely too, Might make a cradle ob each shoe, Rosa take me for your beau, She said now don't be foolish Joe!
Chorus
Ulialiolae Courtin down in Tennesse Uliali olae ‘Neath de wild Banana tree.
Third verse
My story yet is to be told, Uliali olae. Rosa cotch'd a shocking cold, Uliali olae. Send de Docter, fetch de Nurse, Doctor came but make her worse, I tried to make her laugh but No She said, now dont be foolish Joe.
(Chorus)
Fourth Verse
Dey give her up no power could save, Uliali olae. She ax me follow to her grave, Uliali olae. I take her hand ‘twas cold as death, So cold I hardly draw my breff, She saw my tears in sorrow flow, And said farewell my dearest Joe.
Chorus
Uliali olae Rosa sleeps in Tennesse, Uliali olae ‘Neath de wild Banana tree.
Sheldon Harris Collection
