Verse 1: 'Twas a gala day in Bucktown, And ev'ry gallus nig,
Who had helped to swell that colored population,
Was enrolled as active members, By their leader proud and big,
Of the Thompson Street Cadets to guard the nation.
Ev're coon was full of ginger, When they made their first parade,
And the Captain thundered out his first command

Chorus: (Spoken) Right face, forward march!
(Sung) Did you ever see a nigger, Who was feelin' any bigger,
Than the leader of the Thompson street Cadets.
He can change a silver dollar, But he cannot change his color,
This leader of the Thompson Street Cadets.

Verse 2: Ev'ry heart was wildly beating, To the music of the band,
Ev'ry wenches eye was fastened on that leader,
Ev'ry coon in line got jealous, 'Cause he was not in command,
And they all produced a razor or a cleaver.
Now the Captain saw his danger, But he never turned a hair,
Only thundered out his terrible command.

Chorus: (Spoken) Brigade, halt!, Ground arms!
(Sung) Did you ever see a nigger, Who was feelin' any bigger,
Than the leader of the Thompson street Cadets.
He can change a silver dollar, But he cannot change his color,
This leader of the Thompson Street Cadets.