Religious vocal quartets such as the Four Harmony Kings enjoyed great popularity in the early twentieth century. The renowned tenor Roland Hayes was a member of the group, though he did not sing on this recording. This song criticizes those who engage in questionable behavior on Sundays, such as dancing and cursing.
[Composer unknown], “Ain’t It a Shame,” performed by the Four Harmony Kings, Ain’t It a Shame (phonograph record; Black Swan 2016; 1921).
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Lyrics: “Ain’t It a Shame”
Ain’t it a shame to cheat on Sunday, ain’t it a shame?
Ain’t it a shame to cheat on Sunday, ain’t it a shame?
Ain’t it a shame when you’ve got Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday,
Ain’t it a shame?
to cheat?
to lie
You’ve got to stop that fighting on Sunday, ain’t it a shame, ain’t it a shame?
You’ve got to stop that fighting on Sunday, ain’t it a shame, ain’t it a shame?
You’ve got to stop that fighting on Sunday, when you’ve got Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday,
Ain’t it a shame?
Don’t want to hear you cussing on Sunday, ain’t it a shame, ain’t it a shame?
Don’t want to hear you cussing on Sunday, ain’t it a shame, ain’t it a shame?
Don’t want to hear you cussing on Sunday, when you’ve got Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday,
Ain’t it a shame?
Spoken:
Now brothers and sisters, I don’t want to hear of your [sinning?] on Sunday, because that ain’t righty. . . [?]
Don’t want to see you dancing on Sunday, ain’t it a shame, ain’t it a shame
Don’t want to see you dancing on Sunday, ain’t it a shame, ain’t it a shame?
Don’t want want to see you dancing on Sunday, when you’ve got Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday,
Ain’t it a shame?
