“Turkey in the Straw” is a classic American folk song that most of us have heard played by ice cream trucks in our neighborhoods. However, many people are unaware of the racist history behind this seemingly harmless tune. As I researched this topic, I was surprised to learn about the song’s troubling past and why it is considered offensive today.
A Melody with Celtic Roots
The melody of “Turkey in the Straw” has its origins in the British Isles. Tracing back to the early 1800s, the tune was likely adapted from older Irish, Scottish or English folk songs. Some musicologists have suggested it derives from ballads like “The Old Rose Tree.” The melody gained popularity in America during the 19th century.
Minstrel Show Songs and Racist Lyrics
Though the melody itself was benign, the song became problematic when it was paired with racist lyrics as part of minstrel shows in the 1830s. Songs like “Zip Coon” used the tune while also promoting offensive stereotypes of African Americans The characters were presented as simple-minded, lazy caricatures to be mocked by white audiences
Some experts believe the term “coon” emerged from these minstrel shows as a derogatory slur referring to black people So while “Turkey in the Straw” originally had no racist intent, it became tainted by its association with minstrel songs.
The Infamous “N****r Love a Watermelon” Lyrics
In 1916, the song hit a new racist low with alternate lyrics titled “N****r Love a Watermelon, Ha! Ha! Ha!” Performed by white banjo player Harry C. Browne, it included crude stereotypes about black people loving watermelon. The chorus went:
“N****r love a watermelon ha ha, ha ha! For here, they’re made with a half a pound of co’l There’s nothing like a watermelon for a hungry c**n.”
These shockingly offensive lyrics cemented the song’s reputation as racist, despite other renditions of “Turkey in the Straw” using innocuous words.
Lingering Racial Undertones
Today, ice cream trucks often play an instrumental version of “Turkey in the Straw” with no lyrics at all. However, the melody remains intertwined withimages of blackface minstrelsy and the racism of the past.
The jaunty tune may sound harmless, but it evokes a time when white performers mocked black people for entertainment. Because of this lingering reminder of racial discrimination, many people now view “Turkey in the Straw” as an offensive piece of music, even without words.
Looking Towards a New Era
The complicated history of “Turkey in the Straw” teaches us that even seemingly innocent songs can take on hurtful associations over time. As our society evolves, it is important to examine the diverse origins of beloved tunes and retire those with racist undertones. We must find new songs to share that bring us together, not drive us apart.
Though letting go of nostalgic music is difficult, creating an inclusive culture demands sensitivity. By understanding the full story behind “Turkey in the Straw,” we gain insight into America’s complex musical heritage. This knowledge allows us to make thoughtful choices moving forward – and spread only melodies of empowerment.
Good Humor x RZA: a new jingle for a new era
Since 1920, Good Humor ice cream has been a staple of childhood. Almost everyone has a fond memory of chasing after their neighborhood ice cream truck for their favorite frozen treat.
Good Humor has not owned ice cream trucks since the 1970s, nor did we create “Turkey in the Straw” or any other jingles. However, as a leader in the industry, and the creator of the original ice cream truck, we want to be part of the solution on this issue, particularly since we work closely with so many ice cream truck drivers across the country.
As we mark Good Humor’s 100th anniversary this year, we must acknowledge the history of the ice cream truck jingle, and take action to ensure ice cream trucks across the country continue to spread joy to everyone for the next 100 years.
So, we’ve teamed up with legendary rapper, music producer and founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan, RZA, to reimagine the ice cream truck jingle for a new era – a melody that brings joy to every community. We’re making this song available to ice cream truck drivers nationwide and providing education on how to replace “Turkey in the Straw” in their music boxes. Listen to RZA’s new track here, or hear it blasting from an ice cream truck near you!
The story behind THE NEW JINGLE
“Turkey in the Straw” is one of the most iconic ice cream truck jingles today. However, many people don’t realize that this familiar tune has racist roots.
Turkey in the Straw’s melody originated from British and Irish folk songs, which had no racial connotations. But the song itself was first performed (and gained popularity) in American minstrel shows in the 1800s. Some songs using its same melody contained highly offensive, racist lyrics.
Throughout the 19th century, minstrel songs like Turkey in the Straw were commonly played in ice cream parlors, and later, adapted as ice cream truck jingles.
While these associations of “Turkey in the Straw” are not the only part of its legacy, it is undeniable that this melody conjures memories of its racist iterations.
The Racist History of The Ice Cream Truck Song | Genius News
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