In April 1895, a poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar appeared for the first time in The Century Magazine, the most prestigious literary publication in the United States. Printed on the last page of the issue, under the heading "In Lighter Vein," was Paul's dialect poem "Negro Love-Song." The title and text are slightly different than those published later in Paul's poetry books.
Saw my lady home las' night,
Jump back, honey, jump back.
Hel' huh han' an' sque'z' it tight,
Jump back, honey, jump back.
Heard huh sigh a little sigh,
Saw a light gleam f'om huh eye
An' a smile go flittin' by,
Jump back, honey, jump back.
Excerpt from "Negro Love-Song," by Paul Laurence Dunbar. The Century Magazine (New York, New York). April 1895. Page 960.
Even when Paul was a young elevator operator, he read Century and aspired to have his poetry published in its pages. James Newton Matthews (a country doctor and poet from Mason, Illinois) heard Paul recite his work at a writers' conference in Dayton and was so impressed he sought him out afterward.
After repeated inquiries, I succeeded in locating the rising laureate of the colored race, and called upon him. He was an elevator boy in one of the downtown business blocks. I found him seated in a chair on the lower landing, hastily glancing at the July Century and jotting down notes on a handy pencil tablet.
"A New Negro Poet," by James Newton Matthews. Dayton Daily Journal (Dayton, Ohio). October 24, 1892. Page 3.
The Century had always been the goal of my ambition, but it was only after nine years of persevering effort that it was reached. I began sending my youthful productions to it when I was 14 years old, and when I was 23 the editor accepted three poems from me at once. This exceeded my highest hopes, and I was so happy and so proud.
"Won Success in Rapid Strides," by Gilberta S. Whittle. Detroit Free Press (Detroit, Michigan). January 5, 1902.
Months after "A Negro Love Song" appeared in Century, Paul requested permission from the magazine to use his own words as lyrics for a song. Approval was granted by associate editor R. U. Johnson and managing editor William Ellsworth.
In reply to your question, let us say that we only buy the right to print contributions in "The Century," and that at a reasonable time after their appearance it is our custom to waive copyright for book publication, unless some special arrangement of another sort has been made. You are therefore at liberty to accept royalty for the words of your songs, but it would be well for you to let us send you a formal permission, which we will do if you will tell me which one you wish.
Robert Underwood Johnson to Paul Laurence Dunbar, August 8, 1895. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
We give you formal permission to use with music the words of the poem, "A Negro Love Song," from the April "Century," with credit to the author and magazine.
William Ellsworth to Paul Laurence Dunbar, August 23, 1895. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
In April 1896, a Cincinnati music publishing company released "Jump Back: Plantation Dialect Song." Paul was credited with writing both the words and the music, and the sheet music gave acknowledgement to Century as instructed. The song includes a chorus that is not in the original poem.
Dear Sir:- Your favor of the 23rd at hand, with manuscript of your song. In reply would say, we think you have made a very happy and characteristic setting of the words, and while of course we cannot say how the song will take with the public, yet we shall be pleased to publish it at our own expense and pay you a royalty of Ten per cent of the retail price on all copies sold in excess of one hundred. If you can see your way clear to accept our proposition, we will forward paper for your signature.
The John Church Co. to Paul Laurence Dunbar, November 25, 1895. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
Jump Back. Plantation Dialect Song. Words and Music by Paul L. Dunbar.
By Permission of the Century Pub. Co.
CHORUS.
Oh, my little gal, how I love you,
'Taint no use no tongue kin tell;
Way fum de stars dat shine above you,
My love reaches down to well,
Oh, my little gal, how I love you,
Scarcely knows wha' I is at,
Jest de very thinkin' of you,
Makes my h'a't go pit-i-pat."Jump Back," by Paul Laurence Dunbar. The John Church Company (Cincinnati, Ohio). 1896.