Navajo - Billy Murray - Columbia No.1655 (1903-1904)

Columbia Record No.1655

"Navajo" performed by Billy Murray

Recorded: Between 1903-1904
Matrix No.1655

There is a crack in the record that can be heard throughout the first half of the recording. This is a fairly worn copy with a few "rough" spots throughout. Thankfully it is not completely destroyed.

Billy Murray was a popular recording artist at the beginning of the 20th Century. He was well known for his performance of comical and patriotic songs. He is said to have sold over 300 million records during his career. This recording of "Navajo" is from very early on in his career. These early recordings are very difficult to find. Although this record is cracked and well worn, it is currently still one of the rarest pieces in my collection.

Lyrics:

Down on the sand hills of New Mexico,
There lives an Indian maid,
She's of the tribe they call the Navajo,
Face of a copper shade,

And ev'ry evening there was a coon,
Who came his love to plead,
There by the silv'ry light of the moon,
He'd help her string her beads,

And when they were all alone,
To her he would softly croon.

Nava, Nava, my Navajo,
I have a love for you that will grow,
If you'll have a coon for a beau,
I'll have a Navajo.

This Indian maiden told the colored man,
She wanted lots to wear,
Laces and blankets and a powder can,
Jewels and pipestone rare,

You bring me feathers dear from the store,
He answered have no fear,
I'll bring you feathers babe by the score,
If there are chickens near,

With joy then the maiden sighed,
When to her once more he cried.

Nava, Nava, my Navajo,
I have a love for you that will grow,
If you'll have a coon for a beau,
I'll have a Navajo.