ABRAHAM
(Irving Berlin m & l 1942)

Bing Crosby 1942



Upon a February morn
A tiny baby boy was born
Abraham, Abraham.

When he growed up this tiny babe
Folks all called him Honest Abe
Abraham, Abraham.

In eighteen sixty, he became
The sixteenth president
And now he's in the hall of fame
A most respected gent.

That's why we celebrate
This blessed February date
Abraham, Abraham.

When black folks lived in slavery
Who was it set the darkie free
Abraham, Abraham.

When troubles come down from the shelf
Who's heart was bigger than himself
Abraham, Abraham.

The country's goin’ to the dogs
They shouted loud and strong
Then from a cabin made out of logs
The right man come along.

And that is why we celebrate
This blessed February date
Abraham, Abraham.

U.S.A.'s united thank
The one whose name was Nancy Hanks
Abraham, Abraham.

She gave this land the finest son
Who ever went to Washington
Abraham, Abraham.

When someone told him General Grant
Was drinkin’ every night
He answered, "Go on out, see if you can't
Get all my generals tight".

That's why we celebrate
This blessed February date, Abraham, Abraham
Abraham.

NOTES:

This song from Paramount Pictures B & W film ‘Holiday Inn’ August 1942
Director: Mark Sandrich
Leads: Bing Crosby / Fred Astaire / Marjorie Reynolds / Virginia Dale

This film received the Academy Award for Best Original Song (White Christmas)

Note: ‘The Abraham Controversy.’ The blackface minstrel routine in the film
(sung by Bing Crosby) is often cut during broadcast due some feeling it
represents offensive stereotyping. As presented here, it is done only as an
historical artifact and is not intended to depict or offend any person or group.



(Transcribed by David Story - October 2013)