Liliy of Laguna - Stanley Holloway

Originally a racist piece which would not thankfully see light today, this is the Bing and Mary watered down version, with references within totall changed.

Category:

Comedy

Tags:

• Stanley-Holloway

[Joshua12345]

The original was, this one isn't.

[sparrowflyinghigh]

My mom is 88 years old and visited my dad in his nursing home recently. Some singers where performing there, and bagan singing this song. my mom began to cry .... As a child her father sat her on his knee and sang this to her, it was his favorite song. She had not thought of this memory for many years, and it completely overwhelmed her. So yes, it was a great family song and for my mom, holds wonderful memories of a father she adored.

[Mishmarot]

The fact that it was race-referenced, with English words re-spelt to show a supposed native singer (rather like "De Campdown Ladies") for an English audience ignorant of the wider world, does not make it "racist". It was a great family sing-along favourite in the 40's and 50's, and it was also a favourite inspirational diversion during the Blitz. Those who call it "racist" have put a modern spin on something that was never racist in a 1970's political way.

[petewayre]

@songfairy1 the original version in 1898 was! got watered down through the years when PC kicked in. there's an original style G H Elliot in 1934 version that you see the racist style. people used to "black up" to do the song. was based on a black man from a cave dwelling called laguna, lily was an indian decent lady living there. kinda thing anyhow! (40s enthusiast / re-enactor and singer..full of random knowledge! lol)

[songfairy1]

Why is it racist?

[tomshackcloth]

go you bluebaggers!!!!

[25121423]

what a beautiful song my daughter Lilly used to have this song sang to her by her grandma before she sadly passed away.

[azaz09095]

great entertainer and song

[melbvic33]

we are the navey blues

[skimdit]

Racist ,but beautiful.