Song History
Prominent black minstrel songwriter and banjo player James A. Bland, of Sprague's Georgia Minstrels, wrote "Oh, Dem Golden Slippers" in 1879. It was a mockery of "Golden Slippers," a spiritual sung by the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Bland's parody surpassed the Fisk song in popularity and is now known only as "Golden Slippers." The melody later passed from the minstrel stage into folk song and fiddle tune traditions. It is also the unofficial theme song of the Mummers Parade held each New Year's Day in Philadelphia.
Lyrics
chorus:
Oh, them golden slippers
Oh, them golden slippers
Golden slippers I'm goin' to wear
Because they look so neat
Oh, them golden slippers
Oh, them golden slippers
Golden slippers I'm goin' to wear
To walk the golden street
verses:
Oh, my golden slippers am laid away
'Cause I don't expect to wear 'em til my wedding day
And my long tailed coat, that I love so well
I will wear up in the chariot in the morn
And my long white robe that I bought last June
I'm goin' to get changed 'cause it fits too soon
And the old grey hoss that I used to drive
I will hitch him to the chariot in the morn
Oh, my old banjo hangs on the wall
'Cause it ain't been tuned since way last fall
But the folks all say we'll have a good time
When we ride up in the chariot in the morn
There's ol' brother Ben and his sister, Luce
They will telegraph the news to uncle Bacco Juice
What a great camp meetin' there will be that day
When we ride up in the chariot in the morn
So, it's good-bye, children I will have to go
Where the rain don't fall and the wind don't blow
And yer ulster coats, why, you will not need
When you ride up in the chariot in the morn
But your golden slippers must be nice and clean
And your age must be just sweet sixteen
And yourr white kid gloves you will have to wear
When you ride up in the chariot in the morn