The Cannibal Ni--er

Album: not on an album (1891)

Songfacts®:

  • "The Cannibal Ni--er" was written and performed by James B. Helsby, copyright Francis, Day & Hunter of London, 1891. This is a song about a native of Timbuktu who eats his girlfriends, his parents, all his relatives, white men, black men, old kettles, chairs, dogs, cats, and finally himself. It remains to be seen if anyone considered it mildly funny, even in the age of blackface minstrelsy and coon songs. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England

Comments: 1

  • Charles Hollingswort from Leeds, AlTo Alexander in London: The correct spelling on the city is Timbuktu.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Wedding Bell Blues

Wedding Bell BluesSong Writing

When a song describes a wedding, it's rarely something to celebrate - with one big exception.

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Queen

QueenFact or Fiction

Scaramouch, a hoople and a superhero soundtrack - see if you can spot the real Queen stories.

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")Songwriter Interviews

A top country songwriter, Barry talks about writing hits for Little Big Town, Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean.

Don Brewer of Grand Funk

Don Brewer of Grand FunkSongwriter Interviews

The drummer and one of the primary songwriters in Grand Funk talks rock stardom and Todd Rundgren.

Sending Out An SOS - Distress Signals In Songs

Sending Out An SOS - Distress Signals In SongsSong Writing

Songs where something goes horribly wrong (literally or metaphorically), and help is needed right away.