THE GREAT OWL'S SONGAh-hoo-hoo? Ah-hoo-hoo? Ah-hoo-hoo——?An' who'll cook fer Kelline, an' who'll cook fer you——?I will cook fer myse'f, I won't cook fer you.Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo——!Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo——!I wonder if Kelline would not cook fer Hue——?Fer dis is Big Sandy! It's Big Sandy Hue——!Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo——!Ah-ha-hah! Ah-ha-hah! Ah-ha-hah! Ah-hah——!I thought you 'us ole Bill Jack as black as de tah.You really must 'scuse me, my "Honey Lump Pa."Ah-ha-hah! Ah-ha-hah! Ah-ha-hah! Ah-hah——!An' since I'se been Kelline, an' you'se Big Sandy Hue;I will cook fer myse'f, an' I will cook fer you.I'll love you forever, an' sing in de dew:"Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo——!"Yes!—Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-all!Now, we'll cook fer ourse'fs, but who'll cook fer you all?Fer Tom Dick an' his wife, fer Pete Snap an' Shoe-Awl,Rough Shot De Shoe-boot, an' de Lawd He knows who all?
Ah-hoo-hoo? Ah-hoo-hoo? Ah-hoo-hoo——?An' who'll cook fer Kelline, an' who'll cook fer you——?I will cook fer myse'f, I won't cook fer you.Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo——!
Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo——!I wonder if Kelline would not cook fer Hue——?Fer dis is Big Sandy! It's Big Sandy Hue——!Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo——!
Ah-ha-hah! Ah-ha-hah! Ah-ha-hah! Ah-hah——!I thought you 'us ole Bill Jack as black as de tah.You really must 'scuse me, my "Honey Lump Pa."Ah-ha-hah! Ah-ha-hah! Ah-ha-hah! Ah-hah——!
An' since I'se been Kelline, an' you'se Big Sandy Hue;I will cook fer myse'f, an' I will cook fer you.I'll love you forever, an' sing in de dew:"Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo——!"
Yes!—Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-all!Now, we'll cook fer ourse'fs, but who'll cook fer you all?Fer Tom Dick an' his wife, fer Pete Snap an' Shoe-Awl,Rough Shot De Shoe-boot, an' de Lawd He knows who all?
HERE I STANDHere I stan', raggity an' dirty;If you don't come kiss me, I'll run lak a tucky.Here I stan' on two liddle chips,Pray, come kiss my sweet liddle lips.Here I stan' crooked lak a horn;I hain't had no kiss since I'se been born.
Here I stan', raggity an' dirty;If you don't come kiss me, I'll run lak a tucky.
Here I stan' on two liddle chips,Pray, come kiss my sweet liddle lips.
Here I stan' crooked lak a horn;I hain't had no kiss since I'se been born.
PIG TAILRun boys, run!De pig tail's done.If you don't come quick,You won't git none.Pig ham's dere,Lakwise middlin's square;But dese great big partsHain't no Nigger's bes' fare.
Run boys, run!De pig tail's done.If you don't come quick,You won't git none.
Pig ham's dere,Lakwise middlin's square;But dese great big partsHain't no Nigger's bes' fare.
A, B, CA, B, C,Doubled down D;I'se so lazy you cain't see me.A, B, C,Doubled down DLazy Chilluns gits hick'ry tea.A, B, C,Doubled down D,Dat "cat's" in de cupboard an' hid. You see?A, B, C,Doubled down D,You'd better come out an' wuk lak me.
A, B, C,Doubled down D;I'se so lazy you cain't see me.
A, B, C,Doubled down DLazy Chilluns gits hick'ry tea.
A, B, C,Doubled down D,Dat "cat's" in de cupboard an' hid. You see?
A, B, C,Doubled down D,You'd better come out an' wuk lak me.
NEGRO BAKER MANPatty cake! Patty cake! Nigger Baker man.Missus an' Mosser gwineter ketch 'im if dey can.Put de liddle Nigger in Mosser's dish pan,An' scrub 'im off good fer de ole San' Man.
Patty cake! Patty cake! Nigger Baker man.Missus an' Mosser gwineter ketch 'im if dey can.Put de liddle Nigger in Mosser's dish pan,An' scrub 'im off good fer de ole San' Man.
STICK-A-MA-STEWStick-a-ma-stew, he went to town.Stick-a-ma-stew, he tore 'is gown.All dem folks what live in townCain't mend dat randsome, handsome gown.
Stick-a-ma-stew, he went to town.Stick-a-ma-stew, he tore 'is gown.All dem folks what live in townCain't mend dat randsome, handsome gown.
BOB-WHITE'S SONGBob-white! Bob-white!Is yō' peas all ripe?No—! not—! quite!Bob-white! Bob-white!W'en will dey be ripe?To-mor—! row—! might!Bob-white! Bob-white!Does you sing at night?No—! not—! quite!Bob-white! Bob-white!W'en is de time right?At can—! dle—! light!
Bob-white! Bob-white!Is yō' peas all ripe?No—! not—! quite!
Bob-white! Bob-white!W'en will dey be ripe?To-mor—! row—! might!
Bob-white! Bob-white!Does you sing at night?No—! not—! quite!
Bob-white! Bob-white!W'en is de time right?At can—! dle—! light!
COOKING DINNERGo: Bile dem cabbage down.Turn dat hoecake 'round,Cook it done an' brown.Yes: Gwineter have sweet taters too.Hain't had none since las' Fall,Gwineter eat 'em skins an' all.
Go: Bile dem cabbage down.Turn dat hoecake 'round,Cook it done an' brown.
Yes: Gwineter have sweet taters too.Hain't had none since las' Fall,Gwineter eat 'em skins an' all.
CHUCK WILL'S WIDOW SONGOh nimber, nimber Will-o!My crooked, crooked bill-o!I'se settin' down right now, onde sweet pertater hill-o.Oh nimber, nimber Will-o!My crooked, crooked bill-o!Two liddle naked babies, my twobrown aigs now fill-o.Oh nimber, nimber Will-o!My crooked, crooked bill-o!Don't hurt de liddle babies; deyis too sweet to kill-o.
Oh nimber, nimber Will-o!My crooked, crooked bill-o!I'se settin' down right now, onde sweet pertater hill-o.
Oh nimber, nimber Will-o!My crooked, crooked bill-o!Two liddle naked babies, my twobrown aigs now fill-o.
Oh nimber, nimber Will-o!My crooked, crooked bill-o!Don't hurt de liddle babies; deyis too sweet to kill-o.
BRIDLE UP A RATBridle up er rat,Saddle up er cat,An' han' me down my big straw hat.In come de cat,Out go de rat,Down go de baby wid 'is big straw hat.
Bridle up er rat,Saddle up er cat,An' han' me down my big straw hat.
In come de cat,Out go de rat,Down go de baby wid 'is big straw hat.
MY LITTLE PIGYou see: I had a liddle pig,I fed 'im on slop;He got so fatDat he almos' pop.An' den: I tuck de liddle pig,An' I rid 'im to school;He e't ginger cake,An' it tu'n 'im a fool.But: Hegrunt de lessons,An' keep all de rule,An' he make 'em all thinkDat he learn in de cool.
You see: I had a liddle pig,I fed 'im on slop;He got so fatDat he almos' pop.
An' den: I tuck de liddle pig,An' I rid 'im to school;He e't ginger cake,An' it tu'n 'im a fool.
But: Hegrunt de lessons,An' keep all de rule,An' he make 'em all thinkDat he learn in de cool.
IN A MULBERRY TREEJes looky, looky yonder; w'at I see!Two liddle Niggers in a Mulberry tree.One cain't read, an' de t'other cain't write.But dey bofe can smoke deir daddy's pipe."One ma two! One ma two!"Dat Mulberry Witch, he[37]titterer too."Big bait o' Mulberries make 'em bofe sick.Dem liddle Niggers gwineter roll an' kick!"
Jes looky, looky yonder; w'at I see!Two liddle Niggers in a Mulberry tree.One cain't read, an' de t'other cain't write.But dey bofe can smoke deir daddy's pipe.
"One ma two! One ma two!"Dat Mulberry Witch, he[37]titterer too."Big bait o' Mulberries make 'em bofe sick.Dem liddle Niggers gwineter roll an' kick!"
[37]Titterer means laugh.
[37]Titterer means laugh.
[37]Titterer means laugh.
ANIMAL ATTIREDat Coon, he w'ar a undershirt;Dat 'Possum w'ar a gown.Br'er Rabbit, he w'ar a overcoatWid buttons up an' down.Mistah Gobbler's got beads 'roun' 'is nec'.Mistah Pattridge's got a collar, Hun!Mistah Peacock, a fedder on his head!But dese don't stop no gun.
Dat Coon, he w'ar a undershirt;Dat 'Possum w'ar a gown.Br'er Rabbit, he w'ar a overcoatWid buttons up an' down.
Mistah Gobbler's got beads 'roun' 'is nec'.Mistah Pattridge's got a collar, Hun!Mistah Peacock, a fedder on his head!But dese don't stop no gun.
ASPIRATIONIf I wus de PresidentOf dese United States,I'd eat good 'lasses candy,An' swing on all de gates.
If I wus de PresidentOf dese United States,I'd eat good 'lasses candy,An' swing on all de gates.
ANIMAL FAIRHas you ever hearn tell 'bout de Animal Fair?Dem birds an' beasts wus all down dere.Dat jaybird a-settin' down on 'is wing!Has you ever hearn tell about sitch a thingAs whut 'us at dat Animal Fair?Well, dem animals had a Fair.Dem birds an' beasts wus dere.De big Baboon,By de light o' de moon,Jes comb up his sandy hair.De monkey, he git drunk,He kick up a red hot chunk.Dem coals, dey 'rose;An' bu'nt 'is toes!He clumb de Elephan's trunk.I went down to de Fair.Dem varmints all wus dere.Dat young BaboonWunk at Miss Coon;Dat curled de Elephan's hair.De Camel den walk 'bout,An' tromped on de Elephan's snout.De Elephan' sneeze,An' fall on his knees;Dat pleased all dem monkēys.
Has you ever hearn tell 'bout de Animal Fair?Dem birds an' beasts wus all down dere.Dat jaybird a-settin' down on 'is wing!Has you ever hearn tell about sitch a thingAs whut 'us at dat Animal Fair?
Well, dem animals had a Fair.Dem birds an' beasts wus dere.De big Baboon,By de light o' de moon,Jes comb up his sandy hair.
De monkey, he git drunk,He kick up a red hot chunk.Dem coals, dey 'rose;An' bu'nt 'is toes!He clumb de Elephan's trunk.
I went down to de Fair.Dem varmints all wus dere.Dat young BaboonWunk at Miss Coon;Dat curled de Elephan's hair.
De Camel den walk 'bout,An' tromped on de Elephan's snout.De Elephan' sneeze,An' fall on his knees;Dat pleased all dem monkēys.
LITTLE BOY WHO COULDN'T COUNT SEVENOnce der wus a liddle boy dat couldn' count one.Dey pitched him in a fedder bed; 'e thought it great big fun.Once der wus a liddle boy dat couldn' count two.Dey pitched him in a fedder bed; 'e thought 'e 'us gwine through.Once der wus a liddle boy dat couldn' count three.Dey pitched him in a fedder bed; 'e thought de Niggers 'us free.Once der wus a liddle boy dat couldn' count fō'.Dey pitched him in a fedder bed; 'e jumped out on de flō'.Once der wus a liddle boy dat couldn' count five.Dey pitched him in a fedder bed; 'e thought de dead alive.Once der wus a liddle boy dat couldn' count six.Dey pitched him in a fedder bed; 'e never did git fix!Once der wus a liddle boy dat couldn' count seben.Dey pitched him in a fedder bed; 'e thought he's gwine to Heaben!
Once der wus a liddle boy dat couldn' count one.Dey pitched him in a fedder bed; 'e thought it great big fun.
Once der wus a liddle boy dat couldn' count two.Dey pitched him in a fedder bed; 'e thought 'e 'us gwine through.
Once der wus a liddle boy dat couldn' count three.Dey pitched him in a fedder bed; 'e thought de Niggers 'us free.
Once der wus a liddle boy dat couldn' count fō'.Dey pitched him in a fedder bed; 'e jumped out on de flō'.
Once der wus a liddle boy dat couldn' count five.Dey pitched him in a fedder bed; 'e thought de dead alive.
Once der wus a liddle boy dat couldn' count six.Dey pitched him in a fedder bed; 'e never did git fix!
Once der wus a liddle boy dat couldn' count seben.Dey pitched him in a fedder bed; 'e thought he's gwine to Heaben!
MISS TERRAPIN AND MISS TOADAs I went marchin' down de road,I met Miss Tearpin an' I met Miss Toad.An' ev'ry time Miss Toad would jump,Miss Tearpin would peep from 'hind de stump.I axed dem ladies fer to marry me,An' bofe find fault wid de t'other, you see."If you marries Miss Toad," Miss Tearpin said,"You'll have to hop 'round lak you'se been half dead!""If you combs yō' head wid a Tearpin comb,You'll have to creep 'round all tied up at home."I run'd away frum dar, my foot got bruise,For I didn't know zackly which to choose.
As I went marchin' down de road,I met Miss Tearpin an' I met Miss Toad.An' ev'ry time Miss Toad would jump,Miss Tearpin would peep from 'hind de stump.
I axed dem ladies fer to marry me,An' bofe find fault wid de t'other, you see."If you marries Miss Toad," Miss Tearpin said,"You'll have to hop 'round lak you'se been half dead!"
"If you combs yō' head wid a Tearpin comb,You'll have to creep 'round all tied up at home."I run'd away frum dar, my foot got bruise,For I didn't know zackly which to choose.
FROM SLAVERYChile: I come from out'n slavery,Whar de Bull-whup bust de hide;Back dar, whar dis ginerationNatchully widdered up an' died!
Chile: I come from out'n slavery,Whar de Bull-whup bust de hide;Back dar, whar dis ginerationNatchully widdered up an' died!
THE END OF TEN LITTLE NEGROESTen liddle Niggers, a-eatin', fat an' fine;One choke hisse'f to death, an' dat lef' nine.Nine liddle Niggers, dey sot up too late;One sleep hisse'f to death, an' dat lef' eight.Eight liddle Niggers want to go to Heaben;One sing hisse'f to death, an' dat lef' seben.Seben liddle Niggers, a-pickin' up sticks;One wuk hisse'f to death, an' dat lef' six.Six liddle Niggers went out fer to drive;Mule run away wid one, an' dat lef' five.Five liddle Niggers in a cold rain pour;One coughed hisse'f to death, an' dat lef' four.Four liddle Niggers, climb a' apple tree;One fall down an' out, an' dat lef' three.Three liddle Niggers a-wantin' sumpin new;One, he quit de udders, an' dat lef' two.Two liddle Niggers went out fer to run;One fell down de bluff, an' dat lef' one.One liddle Nigger, a-foolin' wid a gun;Gun go off "bang!" an' dat lef' none.
Ten liddle Niggers, a-eatin', fat an' fine;One choke hisse'f to death, an' dat lef' nine.Nine liddle Niggers, dey sot up too late;One sleep hisse'f to death, an' dat lef' eight.Eight liddle Niggers want to go to Heaben;One sing hisse'f to death, an' dat lef' seben.Seben liddle Niggers, a-pickin' up sticks;One wuk hisse'f to death, an' dat lef' six.Six liddle Niggers went out fer to drive;Mule run away wid one, an' dat lef' five.Five liddle Niggers in a cold rain pour;One coughed hisse'f to death, an' dat lef' four.Four liddle Niggers, climb a' apple tree;One fall down an' out, an' dat lef' three.Three liddle Niggers a-wantin' sumpin new;One, he quit de udders, an' dat lef' two.Two liddle Niggers went out fer to run;One fell down de bluff, an' dat lef' one.One liddle Nigger, a-foolin' wid a gun;Gun go off "bang!" an' dat lef' none.
THE ALABAMA WAY'Way down yon'er "in de Alerbamer way,"De Niggers goes to wo'k at de peep o' de day.De bed's too short, an' de high posts rear;De Niggers needs a ladder fer to climb up dere.De cord's wore out, an' de bed-tick's gone.Niggers' legs hang down fer de chickens t' roost on.
'Way down yon'er "in de Alerbamer way,"De Niggers goes to wo'k at de peep o' de day.De bed's too short, an' de high posts rear;De Niggers needs a ladder fer to climb up dere.De cord's wore out, an' de bed-tick's gone.Niggers' legs hang down fer de chickens t' roost on.
MOTHER SAYS I AM SIX YEARS OLDMy mammy says dat I'se too youngTo go to Church an' pray;But she don't know how bad I isW'en she's been gone away.My mammy says I'se six years old,My daddy says I'se seben.Dat's all right how old I is,Jes since I'se a gwine to Heaben.
My mammy says dat I'se too youngTo go to Church an' pray;But she don't know how bad I isW'en she's been gone away.
My mammy says I'se six years old,My daddy says I'se seben.Dat's all right how old I is,Jes since I'se a gwine to Heaben.
THE ORIGIN OF THE SNAKEUp de hill an' down de level!Up de hill an' down de level!Granny's puppy treed de Devil.Puppy howl, an' Devil shake!Puppy howl, an' Devil shake!Devil leave, an' dere's yō' snake.Mash his head; de sun shine bright!Mash his head; de sun shinebright!Tail don't die ontel it's night.Night come on, an' sperits groan!Night come on, an' sperits groan!Devil come an' gits his own.
Up de hill an' down de level!Up de hill an' down de level!Granny's puppy treed de Devil.
Puppy howl, an' Devil shake!Puppy howl, an' Devil shake!Devil leave, an' dere's yō' snake.
Mash his head; de sun shine bright!Mash his head; de sun shinebright!Tail don't die ontel it's night.
Night come on, an' sperits groan!Night come on, an' sperits groan!Devil come an' gits his own.
WILD HOG HUNTNigger in de woods, a-settin' on a log;Wid his finger on de trigger, an' his eyes upon de hog.De gun say "bam!" an' de hog say "bip!"An' de Nigger grab dat wild hog wid all his grip.
Nigger in de woods, a-settin' on a log;Wid his finger on de trigger, an' his eyes upon de hog.De gun say "bam!" an' de hog say "bip!"An' de Nigger grab dat wild hog wid all his grip.
A STRANGE BROODDe ole hen sot on tucky aigs,An' she hatch out goslin's three.Two wus tuckies wid slender legs,An' one wus a bumblebee.All dem hens say to one nudder:"Mighty queer chickens! See?"
De ole hen sot on tucky aigs,An' she hatch out goslin's three.Two wus tuckies wid slender legs,An' one wus a bumblebee.All dem hens say to one nudder:"Mighty queer chickens! See?"
THE TOWN AND THE COUNTRY BIRDJaybird a-swingin' a two hoss plow;"Sparrer, why not you?""W'y—! My legs so liddle an' slender, man,I'se fear'd dey'd break in two."Jaybird answer: "What'd you say?—I sometimes worms terbaccy;But I'd druther plow sweet taters too,Dan to be a ole Town Tacky!"Jaybird up in de Sugar tree,De sparrer on de groun';De jaybird shake de sugar down,An' de sparrer pass it 'roun'.De jaybird say: "Save some fer me;I needs it w'en I bakes."De sparrer say: "Use 'lasses, Suh!Dat suits fer Country-Jakes!"
Jaybird a-swingin' a two hoss plow;"Sparrer, why not you?""W'y—! My legs so liddle an' slender, man,I'se fear'd dey'd break in two."
Jaybird answer: "What'd you say?—I sometimes worms terbaccy;But I'd druther plow sweet taters too,Dan to be a ole Town Tacky!"
Jaybird up in de Sugar tree,De sparrer on de groun';De jaybird shake de sugar down,An' de sparrer pass it 'roun'.
De jaybird say: "Save some fer me;I needs it w'en I bakes."De sparrer say: "Use 'lasses, Suh!Dat suits fer Country-Jakes!"
FROG IN A MILL ([38]GUINEA OR EBO RHYME)Once dere wus er frog dat lived in er mill.He had er raker don la bottom o' la kimeboKimebo, nayro, dilldo, kiroStimstam, formididdle, all-a-board la rake;Wid er raker don la bottom o' la kimebo.
Once dere wus er frog dat lived in er mill.He had er raker don la bottom o' la kimeboKimebo, nayro, dilldo, kiroStimstam, formididdle, all-a-board la rake;Wid er raker don la bottom o' la kimebo.
[38]For explanation, read the Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.
[38]For explanation, read the Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.
[38]For explanation, read the Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.
STRONG HANDSHere's yō' bread, an' here's yō' butter;An' here's de hands fer to make you sputter.Tetch dese hands, w'en you wants to tetch a beaver.If dese hands tetch you, you'll shō' ketch de fever.Dese hands Samson, good fer a row,W'en dey hits you, it's "good-by cow!"
Here's yō' bread, an' here's yō' butter;An' here's de hands fer to make you sputter.
Tetch dese hands, w'en you wants to tetch a beaver.If dese hands tetch you, you'll shō' ketch de fever.
Dese hands Samson, good fer a row,W'en dey hits you, it's "good-by cow!"
TREE FROGS (GUINEA OR EBO RHYME)Shool! Shool! Shool! I rule!Shool! Shool! Shool! I rule!Shool! Shacker-rack!I shool bubba cool.Seller! Beller eel!Fust to ma tree'lJust came er bubba.Buska! Buska-reel!
Shool! Shool! Shool! I rule!Shool! Shool! Shool! I rule!Shool! Shacker-rack!I shool bubba cool.
Seller! Beller eel!Fust to ma tree'lJust came er bubba.Buska! Buska-reel!
WHEN I WAS A LITTLE BOYW'en I wus a liddle boyI cleaned up mammy's dishes;Now I is a great big boy,I wears my daddy's britches.I can knock dat Mobile BuckAn' smoke dat corncob pipe.I can kiss dem pretty gals,An' set up ev'ry night.
W'en I wus a liddle boyI cleaned up mammy's dishes;Now I is a great big boy,I wears my daddy's britches.I can knock dat Mobile BuckAn' smoke dat corncob pipe.I can kiss dem pretty gals,An' set up ev'ry night.
GRASSHOPPER SENSEDere wus a liddle grasshopperDat wus always on de jump;An' caze he never look ahead,He wus always gittin' a bump.Huddlety, dumpty, dumpty, dump!Mind out, or you will git a bump;Shore as de grass grows 'round de stumpBe keerful, my sweet Sugar Lump.
Dere wus a liddle grasshopperDat wus always on de jump;An' caze he never look ahead,He wus always gittin' a bump.
Huddlety, dumpty, dumpty, dump!Mind out, or you will git a bump;Shore as de grass grows 'round de stumpBe keerful, my sweet Sugar Lump.
YOUNG MASTER AND OLD MASTERHick'ry leaves an' calico sleeves!I tells you young Mosser's hard to please.Young Mosser fool you, de way he grin.De way he whup you is a sin.De monkey's a-settin' on de end of a rail,Pickin' his tooth wid de end of his tail.Mulberry leaves an' homespun sleeves!Better know dat ole Mosser's not easy to please.
Hick'ry leaves an' calico sleeves!I tells you young Mosser's hard to please.Young Mosser fool you, de way he grin.De way he whup you is a sin.
De monkey's a-settin' on de end of a rail,Pickin' his tooth wid de end of his tail.Mulberry leaves an' homespun sleeves!Better know dat ole Mosser's not easy to please.
MY SPECKLED HENSomebody stole my speckled hen.Dey lef' me mighty pōo'.Ev'ry day she layed three aigs,An' Sunday she lay fō'.Somebody stole my speckled hen.She crowed at my back dō'.Fedders, dey shine jes lak de sun;De Niggers grudged her mō'.[39]De whis'lin' gal, an' de crowin' hen,Never comes to no good en'.Stop dat whis'lin'; go on an' sing!'Member dat hen wid 'er shinin' wing.
Somebody stole my speckled hen.Dey lef' me mighty pōo'.Ev'ry day she layed three aigs,An' Sunday she lay fō'.
Somebody stole my speckled hen.She crowed at my back dō'.Fedders, dey shine jes lak de sun;De Niggers grudged her mō'.
[39]De whis'lin' gal, an' de crowin' hen,Never comes to no good en'.Stop dat whis'lin'; go on an' sing!'Member dat hen wid 'er shinin' wing.
[39]An old superstition.
[39]An old superstition.
[39]An old superstition.
THE SNAIL'S REPLYSnail! Snail! Come out'n o' yō' shell,Or I'll beat on yō' back till you rings lak a bell."I do ve'y well," sayed de snail in de shell,"I'll jes take my chances in here whar I dwell."
Snail! Snail! Come out'n o' yō' shell,Or I'll beat on yō' back till you rings lak a bell.
"I do ve'y well," sayed de snail in de shell,"I'll jes take my chances in here whar I dwell."
A STRANGE FAMILYOnce dere's an ole 'oman dat lived in de Wes'.She had two gals of de very bes'.One wus older dan de t'other,T'other's older dan her mother,An' dey're all deir own gran'mother.Can you guess?
Once dere's an ole 'oman dat lived in de Wes'.She had two gals of de very bes'.One wus older dan de t'other,T'other's older dan her mother,An' dey're all deir own gran'mother.Can you guess?
GOOD-BY, RINGI had a liddle dog, his name wus Ring,I tied him up to his nose wid a string.I pulled dat string, an' his eyes tu'n blue."Good-by, Ring! I'se done wid you."
I had a liddle dog, his name wus Ring,I tied him up to his nose wid a string.I pulled dat string, an' his eyes tu'n blue."Good-by, Ring! I'se done wid you."
DEEDLE, DUMPLINGDeedle, deedle, dumplin'! My boy, Pete!He went to bed wid his dirty feet.Mammy laid a switch down on dat sheet!Deedle, deedle, dumplin'! My boy, Pete!
Deedle, deedle, dumplin'! My boy, Pete!He went to bed wid his dirty feet.Mammy laid a switch down on dat sheet!Deedle, deedle, dumplin'! My boy, Pete!
BUCK AND BERRYBuck an' Berry run a race,Buck fall down an' skin his face.Buck an' Berry in a stall;Buck, he try to eat it all.Buck, he e't too much, you see.So he died wid choleree.
Buck an' Berry run a race,Buck fall down an' skin his face.
Buck an' Berry in a stall;Buck, he try to eat it all.
Buck, he e't too much, you see.So he died wid choleree.
PRETTY LITTLE GIRLWho's been here since I'se been gone?A pretty liddle gal wid a blue dress on.Who'll stay here when I goes 'way?A pretty liddle gal, all dressed in gray.Who'll wait on Mistess day an' night?A pretty liddle gal, all dressed in white.Who'll be here when I'se been dead?A pretty liddle gal, all dressed in red.
Who's been here since I'se been gone?A pretty liddle gal wid a blue dress on.
Who'll stay here when I goes 'way?A pretty liddle gal, all dressed in gray.
Who'll wait on Mistess day an' night?A pretty liddle gal, all dressed in white.
Who'll be here when I'se been dead?A pretty liddle gal, all dressed in red.
TWO SICK NEGRO BOYSTwo liddle Niggers sick in bed,One jumped up an' bumped his head.W'en de Doctah come he simpully said:"Jes feed dat boy on shorten' bread."T'other liddle Nigger sick in bed,W'en he hear tell o' shorten' bread,Popped up all well. He dance an' sing!He almos' cut dat Pigeon's Wing!
Two liddle Niggers sick in bed,One jumped up an' bumped his head.W'en de Doctah come he simpully said:"Jes feed dat boy on shorten' bread."
T'other liddle Nigger sick in bed,W'en he hear tell o' shorten' bread,Popped up all well. He dance an' sing!He almos' cut dat Pigeon's Wing!
GRASSHOPPER SITTING ON A SWEET POTATO VINEGrasshoppera-settin'on a sweet tater vine,'Long come a Blackbird an' nab him up behind.Blackbird a-settin' in a sour apple tree;Hawk grab him up behind; he "Chee! Chee! Chee!"Big hawk a-settin' in de top of dat oak,Start to eat dat Blackbird an' he git choke.
Grasshoppera-settin'on a sweet tater vine,'Long come a Blackbird an' nab him up behind.
Blackbird a-settin' in a sour apple tree;Hawk grab him up behind; he "Chee! Chee! Chee!"
Big hawk a-settin' in de top of dat oak,Start to eat dat Blackbird an' he git choke.
DOODLE-BUGDoodle-bug! Doodle-bug! Come git sweet milk.Doodle-bug! Doodle-bug! Come git butter.Doodle-bug!Doodle-bug! Come git co'n bread.Doodle-bug! Doodle-bug! Come on to Supper.
Doodle-bug! Doodle-bug! Come git sweet milk.Doodle-bug! Doodle-bug! Come git butter.Doodle-bug!Doodle-bug! Come git co'n bread.Doodle-bug! Doodle-bug! Come on to Supper.
[40]RAW HEAD AND BLOODY BONESDon't talk! Go to sleep!Eyes shet an' don't you peep!Keep still, or he jes moans:"Raw Head an' Bloody Bones!"
Don't talk! Go to sleep!Eyes shet an' don't you peep!Keep still, or he jes moans:"Raw Head an' Bloody Bones!"
[40]Repeated to restless children at night to make them lie still and go to sleep.
[40]Repeated to restless children at night to make them lie still and go to sleep.
[40]Repeated to restless children at night to make them lie still and go to sleep.
MYSTERIOUS FACE WASHINGI wash my face in de watahDat's neider rain nor run.I wipes my face on de towelDat's neider wove nor spun.—I wash my face in de dew,An' I dries it in de sun.
I wash my face in de watahDat's neider rain nor run.I wipes my face on de towelDat's neider wove nor spun.—I wash my face in de dew,An' I dries it in de sun.
GO TO BEDDe wood's in de kitchen.De hoss's in de shed.You liddle NiggersHad better go to bed.
De wood's in de kitchen.De hoss's in de shed.You liddle NiggersHad better go to bed.
[41]BUCK-EYED RABBIT! WHOOPEE!Dat Squir'l, he's a cunnin' thing;He tote a bushy tail.He jes lug off Uncle Sambo's co'n,An' heart it on a rail.Dat Squir'l, he's a cunnin' thing;An' so is ole Jedge B'ar.Br'er Rabbit's gone an' los' his tail'Cep' a liddle bunch of ha'r.Buckeyed Rabbit! Whoopee!Buckeyed Rabbit! Ho!Buckeyed Rabbit! Whoopee!Squir'l's got a long way to go.
Dat Squir'l, he's a cunnin' thing;He tote a bushy tail.He jes lug off Uncle Sambo's co'n,An' heart it on a rail.
Dat Squir'l, he's a cunnin' thing;An' so is ole Jedge B'ar.Br'er Rabbit's gone an' los' his tail'Cep' a liddle bunch of ha'r.
Buckeyed Rabbit! Whoopee!Buckeyed Rabbit! Ho!Buckeyed Rabbit! Whoopee!Squir'l's got a long way to go.
[41]The explanation of this rhyme is found in the Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.
[41]The explanation of this rhyme is found in the Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.
[41]The explanation of this rhyme is found in the Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.
CAPTAIN COONCaptain Coon's a mighty man,He trabble atter dark;Wid nothin' 'tall to 'sturb his mind,But to hear my ole dog bark.Dat 'Possum, he's a mighty man,He trabble late at night.He never think to climb a tree,'Till he's feared ole Rober'll bite.
Captain Coon's a mighty man,He trabble atter dark;Wid nothin' 'tall to 'sturb his mind,But to hear my ole dog bark.
Dat 'Possum, he's a mighty man,He trabble late at night.He never think to climb a tree,'Till he's feared ole Rober'll bite.
GUINEA GALL'Way down yon'er in Guinea Gall,De Niggers eats de fat an' all.'Way down yon'er in de cotton fiel',Ev'ry week one peck o' meal.'Way down yon'er ole Mosser swar';Holler at you, an' pitch, an' r'ar;Wid cat o' nine tails,Wid pen o' nine nails,Tee whing, tee bing,An' ev'ry thing!
'Way down yon'er in Guinea Gall,De Niggers eats de fat an' all.'Way down yon'er in de cotton fiel',Ev'ry week one peck o' meal.'Way down yon'er ole Mosser swar';Holler at you, an' pitch, an' r'ar;Wid cat o' nine tails,Wid pen o' nine nails,Tee whing, tee bing,An' ev'ry thing!
FISHING SIMONSimon tuck his hook an' pole,An' fished on Sunday we's been told.Fish dem water death bells ring,Talk from out'n de water, sing—"Bait yō' hook, Simon!Drap yō' line, Simon!Now ketch me, Simon!Pull me out, Simon!Take me home, Simon!Now clean me, Simon!Cut me up now, Simon!Now salt me, Simon!Now fry me, Simon!Dish me up now, Simon!Eat me all, Simon!"Simon e't till he wus full.Still dat fish keep his plate fall.Simon want no mō' at all,Fish say dat he mus' eat all.Simon's sick, so he throw up!He give Sunday fishin' up.
Simon tuck his hook an' pole,An' fished on Sunday we's been told.Fish dem water death bells ring,Talk from out'n de water, sing—"Bait yō' hook, Simon!Drap yō' line, Simon!Now ketch me, Simon!Pull me out, Simon!Take me home, Simon!Now clean me, Simon!Cut me up now, Simon!Now salt me, Simon!Now fry me, Simon!Dish me up now, Simon!Eat me all, Simon!"Simon e't till he wus full.Still dat fish keep his plate fall.Simon want no mō' at all,Fish say dat he mus' eat all.Simon's sick, so he throw up!He give Sunday fishin' up.
A STRANGE OLD WOMANDere wus an ole 'oman, her name wus Nan.She lived an 'oman, an' died a man.De ole 'oman lived to be dried up an' cunnin';One leg stood still, while de tother kep' runnin'.
Dere wus an ole 'oman, her name wus Nan.She lived an 'oman, an' died a man.De ole 'oman lived to be dried up an' cunnin';One leg stood still, while de tother kep' runnin'.
IN '76Way down yonder in sebenty-six,Whar I git my jawbone fix;All dem coon-loons eatin' wid a spoon!I'll be ready fer dat Great Day soon.
Way down yonder in sebenty-six,Whar I git my jawbone fix;All dem coon-loons eatin' wid a spoon!I'll be ready fer dat Great Day soon.
REDHEAD WOODPECKERRedhead woodpecker: "Chip! Chip! Chee!"Promise dat he'll marry me.Whar shall de weddin' supper be?Down in de lot, in a rotten holler tree.What will de weddin' supper be?A liddle green worm an' a bumblebee,'Way down yonder on de holler tree.De Redhead woodpecker, "Chip! Chip! Chee!"
Redhead woodpecker: "Chip! Chip! Chee!"Promise dat he'll marry me.Whar shall de weddin' supper be?Down in de lot, in a rotten holler tree.What will de weddin' supper be?A liddle green worm an' a bumblebee,'Way down yonder on de holler tree.De Redhead woodpecker, "Chip! Chip! Chee!"
OLD AUNT KATEJes look at Ole Aunt Kate at de gyardin gate!She's a good ole 'oman.W'en she sift 'er meal, she give me de husk;W'en she cook 'er bread, she give me de crust.She put de hosses in de stable;But one jump out, an' skin his nable.Jes look at Ole Aunt Kate at de gyardin gate!Still she's always late.Hurrah fer Ole Aunt Kate by de gyardin gate!She's a fine ole 'oman.Git down dat sifter, take down dat tray!Go 'long, Honey, dere hain't no udder way!She put on dat hoe cake, she went 'round de house.She cook dat 'Possum, an' she call 'im a mouse!Hurrah fer Ole Aunt Kate by de gyardin gate!She's a fine playmate.
Jes look at Ole Aunt Kate at de gyardin gate!She's a good ole 'oman.W'en she sift 'er meal, she give me de husk;W'en she cook 'er bread, she give me de crust.She put de hosses in de stable;But one jump out, an' skin his nable.Jes look at Ole Aunt Kate at de gyardin gate!Still she's always late.
Hurrah fer Ole Aunt Kate by de gyardin gate!She's a fine ole 'oman.Git down dat sifter, take down dat tray!Go 'long, Honey, dere hain't no udder way!She put on dat hoe cake, she went 'round de house.She cook dat 'Possum, an' she call 'im a mouse!Hurrah fer Ole Aunt Kate by de gyardin gate!She's a fine playmate.
CHILDREN'S SEATING RHYMEYou set outside, an' ketch de cow-hide.I'll set in de middle, an' play de gol' fiddle.You set 'round about, an' git scrouged out.
You set outside, an' ketch de cow-hide.I'll set in de middle, an' play de gol' fiddle.You set 'round about, an' git scrouged out.
MY BABYI'se de daddy of dis liddle black baby.He's his mammy's onliest sweetest liddle Coon.Got de look on de forehead lak his daddy,Pretty eyes jes as big as de moon.I'se de daddy of dis liddle black baby.Yes, his mammy keep de "Sugar" rollin' over.She feed him wid a tin cup an' a spoon;An' he kick lak a pony eatin' clover.
I'se de daddy of dis liddle black baby.He's his mammy's onliest sweetest liddle Coon.Got de look on de forehead lak his daddy,Pretty eyes jes as big as de moon.
I'se de daddy of dis liddle black baby.Yes, his mammy keep de "Sugar" rollin' over.She feed him wid a tin cup an' a spoon;An' he kick lak a pony eatin' clover.
A RACE-STARTER'S RHYMEOne fer de money!Two fer de show!Three to git ready,An' four fer to go!
One fer de money!Two fer de show!Three to git ready,An' four fer to go!
NESTINGDe jaybird build on a swingin' lim',De sparrow in de gyardin;Dat ole gray goose in de panel o' de fence,An' de gander on de t'other side o' Jordan.
De jaybird build on a swingin' lim',De sparrow in de gyardin;Dat ole gray goose in de panel o' de fence,An' de gander on de t'other side o' Jordan.
BABY WANTS CHERRIESDe cherries, dey're red; de cherries, dey're ripe;An' de baby it want one.De cherries, dey're hard; de cherries, dey're sour;An' de baby cain't git none.Jes look at dat bird in de cherry tree!He's pickin' 'em one by one!He's shakin' his bill, he's gittin' it fill',An' down dat th'oat dey run!Nev' mind! Bye an' bye dat bird's gwineter fly,An' mammy's gwineter make dat pie.She'll give you a few, fer de baby cain't chew,An' de Pickaninny sholy won't cry.
De cherries, dey're red; de cherries, dey're ripe;An' de baby it want one.De cherries, dey're hard; de cherries, dey're sour;An' de baby cain't git none.
Jes look at dat bird in de cherry tree!He's pickin' 'em one by one!He's shakin' his bill, he's gittin' it fill',An' down dat th'oat dey run!
Nev' mind! Bye an' bye dat bird's gwineter fly,An' mammy's gwineter make dat pie.She'll give you a few, fer de baby cain't chew,An' de Pickaninny sholy won't cry.
A PRETTY PAIR OF CHICKENSDat box-legged rooster, an' dat bow-legged henMake a mighty pretty couple, not to be no kin.Dey's jes lak some Niggers wearin' white folks ole britches,Dey thinks dey's lookin' fine, w'en dey needs lots of stitches.
Dat box-legged rooster, an' dat bow-legged henMake a mighty pretty couple, not to be no kin.Dey's jes lak some Niggers wearin' white folks ole britches,Dey thinks dey's lookin' fine, w'en dey needs lots of stitches.
TOO MUCH WATERMELONDere wus a great big watermillion growin' on de vine.Dere wus a liddle ugly Nigger watchin' all de time.An' w'en dat great big watermillion lay ripenin' in de sun,An' de stripes along its purty skin wus comin' one by one,Dat ugly Nigger pulled it off an' toted it away,An' he e't dat great big watermillion all in one single day.He e't de rinds, an' red meat too, he finish it all trim;An' den,—dat great big watermillion up an' finish him.
Dere wus a great big watermillion growin' on de vine.Dere wus a liddle ugly Nigger watchin' all de time.An' w'en dat great big watermillion lay ripenin' in de sun,An' de stripes along its purty skin wus comin' one by one,Dat ugly Nigger pulled it off an' toted it away,An' he e't dat great big watermillion all in one single day.He e't de rinds, an' red meat too, he finish it all trim;An' den,—dat great big watermillion up an' finish him.
BUTTERFLYPretty liddle butterfly, yaller as de gold,My sweet liddle butterfly, you shō' is mighty bold.You can dance out in de sun, you can fly up high,But you know I'se bound to git you, yet, my liddle butterfly.
Pretty liddle butterfly, yaller as de gold,My sweet liddle butterfly, you shō' is mighty bold.You can dance out in de sun, you can fly up high,But you know I'se bound to git you, yet, my liddle butterfly.
THE HATED BLACKBIRD AND CROWDat Blackbird say unto de Crow:"Dat's why de white folks hates us so;For ever since ole Adam wus born,It's been our rule to gedder green corn."Dat Blackbird say unto de Crow:"If you's not black, den I don't know.White folks calls you black, but I say not;Caze de kittle musn' talk about de pot."
Dat Blackbird say unto de Crow:"Dat's why de white folks hates us so;For ever since ole Adam wus born,It's been our rule to gedder green corn."
Dat Blackbird say unto de Crow:"If you's not black, den I don't know.White folks calls you black, but I say not;Caze de kittle musn' talk about de pot."
IN A RUSHHere I comes jes a-rearin' an' a-pitchin',I hain't had no kiss since I lef' de ole kitchin.Candy, dat's sweet; dat's very, very clear;But a kiss from yō' lips would be sweeter, my dear.
Here I comes jes a-rearin' an' a-pitchin',I hain't had no kiss since I lef' de ole kitchin.Candy, dat's sweet; dat's very, very clear;But a kiss from yō' lips would be sweeter, my dear.
TAKING A WALKWe's a-walkin' in de green grass dust, dust, dust.We's a-walkin' in de green grass dust.If you's jes as sweet as I thinks you to be,I'll take you by yō' liddle hand to walk wid me.
We's a-walkin' in de green grass dust, dust, dust.We's a-walkin' in de green grass dust.If you's jes as sweet as I thinks you to be,I'll take you by yō' liddle hand to walk wid me.
PAYING DEBTS WITH KICKSI owes yō' daddy a peck o' peas.I'se gwineter pay it wid my knees.I owes yō' mammy a pound o' meat;An' I'se gwineter pay dat wid my feet.Now, if I owes 'em somethin' mō';You come right back an' let me know.Please say to dem ('fore I fergets)I never fails to pay my debts.
I owes yō' daddy a peck o' peas.I'se gwineter pay it wid my knees.I owes yō' mammy a pound o' meat;An' I'se gwineter pay dat wid my feet.Now, if I owes 'em somethin' mō';You come right back an' let me know.Please say to dem ('fore I fergets)I never fails to pay my debts.