A FEW NEGROES BY STATESAlabammer Nigger say he love mush.Tennessee Nigger say: "Good Lawd, hush!"Fifteen cents in de panel of de fence,South Ca'lina Nigger hain't got no sense.Dat Kentucky Nigger jes think he's fine,'Cause he drink dat Gooseberry wine.I'se done heared some twenty year agoDat de Missippi Nigger hafter sleep on de flō'.Lousanner Nigger fall out'n de bed,An' break his head on a pone o' co'n bread.
Alabammer Nigger say he love mush.Tennessee Nigger say: "Good Lawd, hush!"
Fifteen cents in de panel of de fence,South Ca'lina Nigger hain't got no sense.
Dat Kentucky Nigger jes think he's fine,'Cause he drink dat Gooseberry wine.
I'se done heared some twenty year agoDat de Missippi Nigger hafter sleep on de flō'.
Lousanner Nigger fall out'n de bed,An' break his head on a pone o' co'n bread.
HOW TO PLEASE A PREACHERIf you wants to see dat Preachah laugh,Jes change up a dollar, an' give 'im a half.If you wants to make dat Preachah sing,Kill dat tucky an' give him a wing.If you wants to see dat Preachah cry,Kill dat chicken an' give him a thigh.
If you wants to see dat Preachah laugh,Jes change up a dollar, an' give 'im a half.If you wants to make dat Preachah sing,Kill dat tucky an' give him a wing.If you wants to see dat Preachah cry,Kill dat chicken an' give him a thigh.
LOOKING FOR A FIGHTI went down town de yudder night,A-raisin' san' an' a-wantin' a fight.Had a forty dollar razzer, an' a gatlin' gun,Fer to shoot dem Niggers down one by one.
I went down town de yudder night,A-raisin' san' an' a-wantin' a fight.Had a forty dollar razzer, an' a gatlin' gun,Fer to shoot dem Niggers down one by one.
I'LL WEAR ME A COTTON DRESSOh, will you wear red? Oh, will you wear red?Oh, will you wear red, Milly Biggers?"I won't wear red,It's too much lak Missus' head.I'll wear me a cotton dress,Dyed wid copperse an' oak-bark."Oh, will you wear blue? Oh, will you wear blue?Oh, will you wear blue, Milly Biggers?"I won't wear blue,It's too much lak Missus' shoe.I'll wear me a cotton dress,Dyed wid copperse an' oak-bark."You sholy would wear gray? You sholy would wear gray?You sholy would wear gray, Milly Biggers?"I won't wear gray,It's too much lak Missus' way.I'll wear me a cotton dress,Dyed wid copperse an' oak-bark."Well, will you wear white? Well, will you wear white?Well, will you wear white, Milly Biggers?"I won't wear white,I'd get dirty long 'fore night.I'll wear me a cotton dress,Dyed wid copperse an' oak-bark."Now, will you wear black? Now, will you wear black?Now, will you wear black, Milly Biggers?"I mought wear black,Case it's de color o' my back;An' it looks lak my cotton dress,Dyed wid[33]copperse an' oak-bark."
Oh, will you wear red? Oh, will you wear red?Oh, will you wear red, Milly Biggers?"I won't wear red,It's too much lak Missus' head.I'll wear me a cotton dress,Dyed wid copperse an' oak-bark."
Oh, will you wear blue? Oh, will you wear blue?Oh, will you wear blue, Milly Biggers?"I won't wear blue,It's too much lak Missus' shoe.I'll wear me a cotton dress,Dyed wid copperse an' oak-bark."
You sholy would wear gray? You sholy would wear gray?You sholy would wear gray, Milly Biggers?"I won't wear gray,It's too much lak Missus' way.I'll wear me a cotton dress,Dyed wid copperse an' oak-bark."
Well, will you wear white? Well, will you wear white?Well, will you wear white, Milly Biggers?"I won't wear white,I'd get dirty long 'fore night.I'll wear me a cotton dress,Dyed wid copperse an' oak-bark."
Now, will you wear black? Now, will you wear black?Now, will you wear black, Milly Biggers?"I mought wear black,Case it's de color o' my back;An' it looks lak my cotton dress,Dyed wid[33]copperse an' oak-bark."
[33]Copperse is copperas, or sulphate of iron.
[33]Copperse is copperas, or sulphate of iron.
[33]Copperse is copperas, or sulphate of iron.
HALF WAY DOINGSMy dear Brudders an' Sisters,As I comes here to-day,I hain't gwineter take no scripture verseFer what I'se gwineter say.My words I'se gwineter cut off shortAn' I 'spects to use dis tex':"Dis half way doin's hain't no 'countFer dis worl' nor de nex'."Dis half way doin's, Brudderin,Won't never do, I say.Go to yō' wuk, an' git it done,An' den's de time to play.Fer w'en a Nigger gits lazy,An' stops to take short naps,De weeds an' grass is shore to growAn' smudder out his craps.Dis worl' dat we's a livin' inIs sumpen lak a cotton row:Whar each an' ev'ry one o' usIs got his row to hoe.An' w'en de cotton's all laid by,De rain, it spile de bowls,If you don't keep busy pickin'In de cotton fiel' of yō' souls.Keep on a-plowin', an' a-hoein';Keep on scrapin' off de rows;An' w'en de year is overYou can pay off all you owes.But w'en you sees a lazy NiggerStop workin', shore's you're born,You'se gwineter see him comin' outAt de liddle end of de horn.
My dear Brudders an' Sisters,As I comes here to-day,I hain't gwineter take no scripture verseFer what I'se gwineter say.
My words I'se gwineter cut off shortAn' I 'spects to use dis tex':"Dis half way doin's hain't no 'countFer dis worl' nor de nex'."
Dis half way doin's, Brudderin,Won't never do, I say.Go to yō' wuk, an' git it done,An' den's de time to play.
Fer w'en a Nigger gits lazy,An' stops to take short naps,De weeds an' grass is shore to growAn' smudder out his craps.
Dis worl' dat we's a livin' inIs sumpen lak a cotton row:Whar each an' ev'ry one o' usIs got his row to hoe.
An' w'en de cotton's all laid by,De rain, it spile de bowls,If you don't keep busy pickin'In de cotton fiel' of yō' souls.
Keep on a-plowin', an' a-hoein';Keep on scrapin' off de rows;An' w'en de year is overYou can pay off all you owes.
But w'en you sees a lazy NiggerStop workin', shore's you're born,You'se gwineter see him comin' outAt de liddle end of de horn.
TWO TIMES ONETwo times one is two.Won't you jes keep still till I gits through?Three times three is nine.You 'tend to yō' business, an' I'll 'tend to mine.
Two times one is two.Won't you jes keep still till I gits through?Three times three is nine.You 'tend to yō' business, an' I'll 'tend to mine.
HE PAID ME SEVEN (PARODY)"Our Fadder, Which are in Heaben!"—White man owe me leben and pay me seben."D'y Kingdom come! D'y Will be done!"—An' if I hadn't tuck dat, I wouldn' git none.
"Our Fadder, Which are in Heaben!"—White man owe me leben and pay me seben."D'y Kingdom come! D'y Will be done!"—An' if I hadn't tuck dat, I wouldn' git none.
PARODY ON "REIGN, MASTER JESUS, REIGN!"Oh rain! Oh rain! Oh rain, "good" Mosser!Rain, Mosser, rain! Rain hard!Rain flour an' lard an' a big hog headDown in my back yard.An' w'en you comes down to my cabin,Come down by de corn fiel'.If you cain't bring me a piece o' meat,Den bring me a peck o' meal.Oh rain! Oh rain! Oh rain, "good" Mosser!Dat good rain gives mō' rest."What d'you say? You Nigger, dar!"—"Wet ground grows grass best."
Oh rain! Oh rain! Oh rain, "good" Mosser!Rain, Mosser, rain! Rain hard!Rain flour an' lard an' a big hog headDown in my back yard.
An' w'en you comes down to my cabin,Come down by de corn fiel'.If you cain't bring me a piece o' meat,Den bring me a peck o' meal.
Oh rain! Oh rain! Oh rain, "good" Mosser!Dat good rain gives mō' rest."What d'you say? You Nigger, dar!"—"Wet ground grows grass best."
A REQUEST TO SELLGwineter ax my daddy to sell ole Rose,So's I can git me some new clō's.Gwineter ax my daddy to sell ole Nat,So's I can git a bran' new hat.Gwineter ax my daddy to sell ole Bruise,Den I can git some Brogran shoes.Now, I'se gwineter fix myse'f "jes so,"An' take myse'f down to Big Shiloh.I'se gwine right down to Big ShilohTo take dat t'other Nigger's beau.
Gwineter ax my daddy to sell ole Rose,So's I can git me some new clō's.Gwineter ax my daddy to sell ole Nat,So's I can git a bran' new hat.Gwineter ax my daddy to sell ole Bruise,Den I can git some Brogran shoes.Now, I'se gwineter fix myse'f "jes so,"An' take myse'f down to Big Shiloh.I'se gwine right down to Big ShilohTo take dat t'other Nigger's beau.
WE'LL STICK TO THE HOEWe'll stick to de hoe, till de sun go down.We'll rise w'en de rooster crow,An' go to de fiel' whar de sun shine hot,To de fiel' whar de sugar cane grow.Yes, Chilluns, we'll all go!We'll go to de fiel' whar de sun shine hot.To de fiel' whar de sugar cane grow.Oh, sing 'long boys, fer de wuk hain't hard!Oh scrape an' clean up de row.Fer de grass musn' grow, while de sun shine hot,In de fiel' whar de sugar cane grow.No, Chilluns. No, No!Dat grass musn' grow, while de sun shine hot,In de fiel' whar de sugar cane grow.Don't think 'bout de time, fer de time hain't long.Yō' life soon come an' go;Den good-bye fiel' whar de sun shine hot,To de fiel' whar de sugar cane grow.Yes, Chilluns. We'll all go!Good-by to de fiel' whar de sun shine hot,To de fiel' whar de sugar cane grow.
We'll stick to de hoe, till de sun go down.We'll rise w'en de rooster crow,An' go to de fiel' whar de sun shine hot,To de fiel' whar de sugar cane grow.Yes, Chilluns, we'll all go!We'll go to de fiel' whar de sun shine hot.To de fiel' whar de sugar cane grow.
Oh, sing 'long boys, fer de wuk hain't hard!Oh scrape an' clean up de row.Fer de grass musn' grow, while de sun shine hot,In de fiel' whar de sugar cane grow.No, Chilluns. No, No!Dat grass musn' grow, while de sun shine hot,In de fiel' whar de sugar cane grow.
Don't think 'bout de time, fer de time hain't long.Yō' life soon come an' go;Den good-bye fiel' whar de sun shine hot,To de fiel' whar de sugar cane grow.Yes, Chilluns. We'll all go!Good-by to de fiel' whar de sun shine hot,To de fiel' whar de sugar cane grow.
A FINE PLASTERW'en it's sheep skin an' beeswax,It shō's a mighty fine plaster:De mō' you tries to pull it off,De mō' it sticks de faster.
W'en it's sheep skin an' beeswax,It shō's a mighty fine plaster:De mō' you tries to pull it off,De mō' it sticks de faster.
A DAY'S HAPPINESSFust: I went out to milk an' I didn' know how,I milked dat goat instid o' dat cow;While a Nigger a-settin' wid a gapin' jaw,Kept winkin' his eye at a tucky in de straw.Den: I went out de gate an' I went down de road,An' I met Miss 'Possum an' I met Mistah Toad;An' ev'y time Miss 'Possum 'ould sing,Mistah Toad 'ould cut dat Pigeon's Wing.But: I went in a whoop, as I went down de road;I had a bawky team an' a heavy load.I cracked my whip, an' ole Beck sprung,An' she busted out my wagin tongue.Well: Dat night dere 'us a-gittin' up, shores you're born.De louse go to supper, an' de flea blow de horn.Dat raccoon paced, an' dat 'possum trot;Dat ole goose laid, an' de gander sot.
Fust: I went out to milk an' I didn' know how,I milked dat goat instid o' dat cow;While a Nigger a-settin' wid a gapin' jaw,Kept winkin' his eye at a tucky in de straw.
Den: I went out de gate an' I went down de road,An' I met Miss 'Possum an' I met Mistah Toad;An' ev'y time Miss 'Possum 'ould sing,Mistah Toad 'ould cut dat Pigeon's Wing.
But: I went in a whoop, as I went down de road;I had a bawky team an' a heavy load.I cracked my whip, an' ole Beck sprung,An' she busted out my wagin tongue.
Well: Dat night dere 'us a-gittin' up, shores you're born.De louse go to supper, an' de flea blow de horn.Dat raccoon paced, an' dat 'possum trot;Dat ole goose laid, an' de gander sot.
MASTER KILLED A BIG BULLMosser killed a big bull,Missus cooked a dish full,Didn't give poor Nigger a mouf full.Humph! Humph!Mosser killed a fat lam'.Missus brung a basket,An' give poor Nigger de haslet.Eh-eh! Eh-eh!Mosser killed a fat hogMissus biled de middlin's,An' give poor Nigger de chitlin's.Shō! Shō!
Mosser killed a big bull,Missus cooked a dish full,Didn't give poor Nigger a mouf full.Humph! Humph!
Mosser killed a fat lam'.Missus brung a basket,An' give poor Nigger de haslet.Eh-eh! Eh-eh!
Mosser killed a fat hogMissus biled de middlin's,An' give poor Nigger de chitlin's.Shō! Shō!
YOU HAD BETTER MIND MASTER'Way down yon'er in 'Possum Trot,(In ole Miss'sip' whar de sun shines hot)Dere hain't no chickens an' de Niggers eats c'on;You hain't never see'd de lak since youse been bo'n,You'd better mīn' Mosser an' keep a stiff lip,So's you won't git sōl' down to ole Miss'sip'.
'Way down yon'er in 'Possum Trot,(In ole Miss'sip' whar de sun shines hot)Dere hain't no chickens an' de Niggers eats c'on;You hain't never see'd de lak since youse been bo'n,You'd better mīn' Mosser an' keep a stiff lip,So's you won't git sōl' down to ole Miss'sip'.
PRETTY LITTLE PINKMy pretty liddle Pink,I once did think,Dat we-uns shō' would marry;But I'se done give up,Hain't got no hope,I hain't got no time to tarry.I'll drink coffee dat flows,From oaks dat grows,'Long de river dat flows wid brandy.
My pretty liddle Pink,I once did think,Dat we-uns shō' would marry;But I'se done give up,Hain't got no hope,I hain't got no time to tarry.I'll drink coffee dat flows,From oaks dat grows,'Long de river dat flows wid brandy.
A BITTER LOVERS' QUARREL—ONE SIDEYou nasty dog! You dirty hog!You thinks somebody loves you.I tells you dis to let you knowI thinks myse'f above you.
You nasty dog! You dirty hog!You thinks somebody loves you.I tells you dis to let you knowI thinks myse'f above you.
ROSES REDRose's red, vi'lets blue.Sugar is sweet but not lak you.De vi'lets fade, de roses fall;But you gits sweeter, all in all.As shore as de grass grows 'round de stump,You is my darlin' Sugar Lump.W'en de sun don't shine de day is cold,But my love fer you do not git old.De ocean's deep, de sky is blue;Sugar is sweet, an' so is you;De ocean waves an' de sky gits pale,But my love are true, an' it never fail.
Rose's red, vi'lets blue.Sugar is sweet but not lak you.De vi'lets fade, de roses fall;But you gits sweeter, all in all.
As shore as de grass grows 'round de stump,You is my darlin' Sugar Lump.W'en de sun don't shine de day is cold,But my love fer you do not git old.
De ocean's deep, de sky is blue;Sugar is sweet, an' so is you;De ocean waves an' de sky gits pale,But my love are true, an' it never fail.
YOU HAVE MADE ME WEEPYou'se made me weep, you'se made me mourn,You'se made me tears an' sorrow.So far' you well, my pretty liddle gal,I'se gwine away to-morrow.
You'se made me weep, you'se made me mourn,You'se made me tears an' sorrow.So far' you well, my pretty liddle gal,I'se gwine away to-morrow.
MOURNING SLAVE FIANCEESLook down dat lonesome road! Look down!De way are dark an' cōl'.Dey makes me weep, dey makes me mourn;All 'cause my love are sōl'.O don't you see dat turkle dove,What mourns from vine to vine?She mourns lak I moans fer my love,Lef' many a mile behin'.
Look down dat lonesome road! Look down!De way are dark an' cōl'.Dey makes me weep, dey makes me mourn;All 'cause my love are sōl'.
O don't you see dat turkle dove,What mourns from vine to vine?She mourns lak I moans fer my love,Lef' many a mile behin'.
DO I LOVE YOU?Does I love you wid all my heart?—I loves you wid my liver;An' if I had you in my mouf,I'd spit you in de river.
Does I love you wid all my heart?—I loves you wid my liver;An' if I had you in my mouf,I'd spit you in de river.
LOVERS' GOOD-NIGHTCotton fields white in de bright moonlight,Now kiss yō' gal' an' say "Good-night."If she don't kiss you, jes go on 'way;Hain't no need a-stayin' ontel nex' day.
Cotton fields white in de bright moonlight,Now kiss yō' gal' an' say "Good-night."If she don't kiss you, jes go on 'way;Hain't no need a-stayin' ontel nex' day.
VINIEI loves coffee, an' I loves tea.I axes you, Vinie, does you love me?My day's study's Vinie, an' my midnight dreams,My apples, my peaches, my tunnups, an' greens.Oh, I wants dat good 'possum, an' I wants to be free;But I don't need no sugar, if Vinie love me.De river is wide, an' I cain't well step it.I loves you, dear Vinie; an' you know I cain't he'p it.Dat sugar is sweet, an' dat butter is greasy;But I loves you, sweet Vinie; don't be oneasy.Some loves ten, an' some loves twenty,But I loves you, Vinie, an' dat is a plenty.Oh silver, it shine, an' lakwise do tin.De way I loves Vinie, it mus' be a sin.Well, de cedar is green, an' so is de pine.God bless you, Vinie! I wish you 'us mine.
I loves coffee, an' I loves tea.I axes you, Vinie, does you love me?
My day's study's Vinie, an' my midnight dreams,My apples, my peaches, my tunnups, an' greens.
Oh, I wants dat good 'possum, an' I wants to be free;But I don't need no sugar, if Vinie love me.
De river is wide, an' I cain't well step it.I loves you, dear Vinie; an' you know I cain't he'p it.
Dat sugar is sweet, an' dat butter is greasy;But I loves you, sweet Vinie; don't be oneasy.
Some loves ten, an' some loves twenty,But I loves you, Vinie, an' dat is a plenty.
Oh silver, it shine, an' lakwise do tin.De way I loves Vinie, it mus' be a sin.
Well, de cedar is green, an' so is de pine.God bless you, Vinie! I wish you 'us mine.
SHE HUGGED ME AND KISSED MEI see'd her in de Springtime,I see'd her in de Fall,I see'd her in de Cotton patch,A cameing from de Ball.She hug me, an' she kiss me,She wrung my han' an' cried.She said I wus de sweetes' thingDat ever lived or died.She hug me an' she kiss me.Oh Heaben! De touch o' her han'!She said I wus de puttiest thingIn de shape o' mortal man.I told her dat I love her,Dat my love wus bed-cord strong;Den I axed her w'en she'd have me,An' she jes say "Go long!"
I see'd her in de Springtime,I see'd her in de Fall,I see'd her in de Cotton patch,A cameing from de Ball.
She hug me, an' she kiss me,She wrung my han' an' cried.She said I wus de sweetes' thingDat ever lived or died.
She hug me an' she kiss me.Oh Heaben! De touch o' her han'!She said I wus de puttiest thingIn de shape o' mortal man.
I told her dat I love her,Dat my love wus bed-cord strong;Den I axed her w'en she'd have me,An' she jes say "Go long!"
IT IS HARD TO LOVEIt's hard to love, yes, indeed 'tis.It's hard to be broke up in min'.You'se all lugged up in some gal's heart,But you hain't gwineter lug up in mine.
It's hard to love, yes, indeed 'tis.It's hard to be broke up in min'.You'se all lugged up in some gal's heart,But you hain't gwineter lug up in mine.
ME AND MY LOVERMe an' my Lover, we fall out.How d'you reckon de fuss begun?She laked licker, an' I laked fun,An' dat wus de way de fuss begun.Me an' my Lover, we fall out.W'at d'you reckon de fuss wus 'bout?She loved bitters, an' I loved kraut,An' dat wus w'at de fuss wus 'bout.Me an' my Lover git clean 'part.How d'you reckon dat big fuss start?She's got a gizzard, an' I'se got a heart,An' dat's de way dat big fuss start.
Me an' my Lover, we fall out.How d'you reckon de fuss begun?She laked licker, an' I laked fun,An' dat wus de way de fuss begun.
Me an' my Lover, we fall out.W'at d'you reckon de fuss wus 'bout?She loved bitters, an' I loved kraut,An' dat wus w'at de fuss wus 'bout.
Me an' my Lover git clean 'part.How d'you reckon dat big fuss start?She's got a gizzard, an' I'se got a heart,An' dat's de way dat big fuss start.
I WISH I WAS AN APPLEOh: I wish I wus an apple,An' my Sallie wus anudder.What a pretty match we'd be,Hangin' on a tree togedder!But: If I wus an apple,An' my Sallie wus anudder;We'd grow up high, close to de sky,Whar de Niggers couldn' git 'er.We'd grow up close to de sunAn' smile up dar above;Den we'd fall down 'way in de groun'To sleep an' dream 'bout love.And: W'en we git through a dreamin',We'd bofe in Heaben wake.No Nigger shouldn' git my galW'en 'is time come to bake.
Oh: I wish I wus an apple,An' my Sallie wus anudder.What a pretty match we'd be,Hangin' on a tree togedder!
But: If I wus an apple,An' my Sallie wus anudder;We'd grow up high, close to de sky,Whar de Niggers couldn' git 'er.
We'd grow up close to de sunAn' smile up dar above;Den we'd fall down 'way in de groun'To sleep an' dream 'bout love.
And: W'en we git through a dreamin',We'd bofe in Heaben wake.No Nigger shouldn' git my galW'en 'is time come to bake.
REJECTED BY ELIZA JANEW'en I went 'cross de cotton patchI give my ho'n a blow.I thought I heared pretty Lizie say:"Oh, yon'er come my beau!"So: I axed pretty Lizie to marry me,An' what d'you reckon she said?She said she wouldn' marry me,If ev'ybody else wus dead.An': As I went up de new cut road,An' she go down de lane;Den I thought I heared somebody say:"Good-bye, ole Lize Jane!"Well: Jes git 'long, Lizie, my true love.Git 'long, Miss Lizie Jane.Perhaps you'll[34]sack "Ole Sour Bill"An' git choked on "Sugar Cain."
W'en I went 'cross de cotton patchI give my ho'n a blow.I thought I heared pretty Lizie say:"Oh, yon'er come my beau!"
So: I axed pretty Lizie to marry me,An' what d'you reckon she said?She said she wouldn' marry me,If ev'ybody else wus dead.
An': As I went up de new cut road,An' she go down de lane;Den I thought I heared somebody say:"Good-bye, ole Lize Jane!"
Well: Jes git 'long, Lizie, my true love.Git 'long, Miss Lizie Jane.Perhaps you'll[34]sack "Ole Sour Bill"An' git choked on "Sugar Cain."
[34]Sack = To reject as a lover.
[34]Sack = To reject as a lover.
[34]Sack = To reject as a lover.
ANTEBELLUM COURTSHIP INQUIRY(He) Is you a flyin' lark or a settin' dove?(She) I'se a flyin' lark, my honey Love.(He) Is you a bird o' one fedder, or a bird o' two?(She) I'se a bird o' one fedder, w'en it comes to you.(He) Den, Mam:I has desire, an' quick temptation,To jine my fence to yō' plantation.
(He) Is you a flyin' lark or a settin' dove?(She) I'se a flyin' lark, my honey Love.(He) Is you a bird o' one fedder, or a bird o' two?(She) I'se a bird o' one fedder, w'en it comes to you.(He) Den, Mam:I has desire, an' quick temptation,To jine my fence to yō' plantation.
INVITED TO TAKE THE ESCORT'S ARMMiss, does you lak strawberries?____*____*____*____*____*____Den hang on de vine.____*____*____*____*____*____Miss, does you lak chicken?____*____*____*____*____*____Den have a wing dis time.
Miss, does you lak strawberries?____*____*____*____*____*____Den hang on de vine.____*____*____*____*____*____Miss, does you lak chicken?____*____*____*____*____*____Den have a wing dis time.
SPARKING OR COURTINGI'se heaps older dan three.I'se heaps thicker dan barks;An' de older I gits,De mō' harder I sparks.I sparks fast an' hard,For I'se feared I mought fail.Dough I'se gittin' ole,I don't co't lak no snail.
I'se heaps older dan three.I'se heaps thicker dan barks;An' de older I gits,De mō' harder I sparks.
I sparks fast an' hard,For I'se feared I mought fail.Dough I'se gittin' ole,I don't co't lak no snail.
A CLANDESTINE LETTERKind Miss: If I sent you a letter,By de crickets,Through de thickets,How'd you answer better?Kind Suh: I'd sen' you a letter,By de mole,Not to be tōl';Fer dat's mō' secretter.
Kind Miss: If I sent you a letter,By de crickets,Through de thickets,How'd you answer better?
Kind Suh: I'd sen' you a letter,By de mole,Not to be tōl';Fer dat's mō' secretter.
ANTEBELLUM MARRIAGE PROPOSAL(A proposal of marriage with the answer deferred)(He) De ocean, it's wide; de sea, it's deep.Yes, in yō' arms I begs to sleep,Not fer one time, not fer three;But long as we-uns can agree.(She) Please gimme time, Suh, to "reponder;"Please gimme time to "gargalize;"Den 'haps I'll tu'n to "cattlegog,"An' answer up 'greeable fer a s'prise.
(He) De ocean, it's wide; de sea, it's deep.Yes, in yō' arms I begs to sleep,Not fer one time, not fer three;But long as we-uns can agree.
(She) Please gimme time, Suh, to "reponder;"Please gimme time to "gargalize;"Den 'haps I'll tu'n to "cattlegog,"An' answer up 'greeable fer a s'prise.
IF YOU FROWNIf you frowns, an' I frowns,W'en we goes out togedder;Den all de t'other folks aroun'Will say: "De rain is fallin' downRight in de sunshine wedder!"
If you frowns, an' I frowns,W'en we goes out togedder;Den all de t'other folks aroun'Will say: "De rain is fallin' downRight in de sunshine wedder!"
"LET'S MARRY" COURTSHIP(A proposal of marriage, with a provisional acceptance)(He) Oh Miss Lizie, how I loves you!My life's jes los' if you hain't true.If you loves me lak I loves you,No knife cain't cut our love in two.(She) Grapevine warp, an' cornstalk fillin';I'll marry you if mammy an' daddy's willin'.(He) Rabbit hop an' long dog trot!Let's git married if dey say "not."
(He) Oh Miss Lizie, how I loves you!My life's jes los' if you hain't true.If you loves me lak I loves you,No knife cain't cut our love in two.
(She) Grapevine warp, an' cornstalk fillin';I'll marry you if mammy an' daddy's willin'.
(He) Rabbit hop an' long dog trot!Let's git married if dey say "not."
COURTSHIP(A proposal of marriage with its acceptance)Kind Miss: I'se on de stage o' action,Pleadin' hard fer satisfaction,Pleadin' 'fore de time-thief late;Darfore, Ma'm, now,[35]"cravenate."If I brung to you a gyarment;To be cut widout scissors,An' to be sewed widout thread;How (I ax you) would you make it,Widout de needle sewin'An' widout de cloth spread?Kind Suh: I'd make dat gyarmentWid love from my heart,Wid tears on yō' head;We never would part.
Kind Miss: I'se on de stage o' action,Pleadin' hard fer satisfaction,Pleadin' 'fore de time-thief late;Darfore, Ma'm, now,[35]"cravenate."
If I brung to you a gyarment;To be cut widout scissors,An' to be sewed widout thread;How (I ax you) would you make it,Widout de needle sewin'An' widout de cloth spread?
Kind Suh: I'd make dat gyarmentWid love from my heart,Wid tears on yō' head;We never would part.
[35]Cravenate = consider.
[35]Cravenate = consider.
[35]Cravenate = consider.
I WALKED THE ROADSWell: I walked de roads, till de roads git muddy.I talked to dat pretty gal, till I couldn' stan' study.Den: I say: "Love me liddle," I say; "Love me long."I say: "Let dat liddle be 'doggone' strong!For, shore as dat rat runs 'cross de rafter,So shore you'se de gal, you'se de gal I'se after."
Well: I walked de roads, till de roads git muddy.I talked to dat pretty gal, till I couldn' stan' study.
Den: I say: "Love me liddle," I say; "Love me long."I say: "Let dat liddle be 'doggone' strong!For, shore as dat rat runs 'cross de rafter,So shore you'se de gal, you'se de gal I'se after."
PRESENTING A HAT TO PHOEBESister Phoebe: Happy wus we,W'en we sot under dat Juniper tree.Take dis hat, it'll keep yō' head warm.Take dis kiss, it'll do you no harm.Sister Phoebe: De hours, dey're few;But dis hat'll say I'se thinkin' 'bout you.Sugar, it's sugar; an' salt, it's salt;If you don't love me, it's shō' yō' own fault.
Sister Phoebe: Happy wus we,W'en we sot under dat Juniper tree.Take dis hat, it'll keep yō' head warm.Take dis kiss, it'll do you no harm.
Sister Phoebe: De hours, dey're few;But dis hat'll say I'se thinkin' 'bout you.Sugar, it's sugar; an' salt, it's salt;If you don't love me, it's shō' yō' own fault.
WOOINGW'at is dat a wukinAt yō' han' bill on de wall,So's yō' sperit, it cain't res',An' a gemmun's heat, it call?Is you lookin' fer sweeter berriesGrowin' on a higher bush?An' does my combersation suit?If not, w'at does you wush?
W'at is dat a wukinAt yō' han' bill on de wall,So's yō' sperit, it cain't res',An' a gemmun's heat, it call?
Is you lookin' fer sweeter berriesGrowin' on a higher bush?An' does my combersation suit?If not, w'at does you wush?
THE COURTING BOYW'en I wus a liddle boy,Jes fifteen inches high;De way I court de pretty gals,It make de ole folks cry.De geese swim in de middle pon'.De ducks fly 'cross de clover.Run an' tell dem pretty gals,Dat I'se a-comin' over.Ho! Marindie! Ho!Ho! Missindie! Ho!Ho! Malindie! Ho! my gal!I'se gwine now to see ole Sal.
W'en I wus a liddle boy,Jes fifteen inches high;De way I court de pretty gals,It make de ole folks cry.
De geese swim in de middle pon'.De ducks fly 'cross de clover.Run an' tell dem pretty gals,Dat I'se a-comin' over.
Ho! Marindie! Ho!Ho! Missindie! Ho!Ho! Malindie! Ho! my gal!I'se gwine now to see ole Sal.
PRETTY POLLY ANNI'se gwineter marry, if I can.I'se gwineter marry pretty Polly Ann.I axed Polly Ann, fer to marry me.She say she's a-lookin' fer a Nigger dat's free.Pretty Polly Ann's jes dressed so fine!I'll bet five dollars she hain't got a dime.Pretty Polly Ann's jes a-puttin' on airs,She won't notice me, but nobody cares.I'll drop Polly Ann, a-lookin' lak a crane;I 'spec's I'll marry Miss Lize Jane.
I'se gwineter marry, if I can.I'se gwineter marry pretty Polly Ann.
I axed Polly Ann, fer to marry me.She say she's a-lookin' fer a Nigger dat's free.
Pretty Polly Ann's jes dressed so fine!I'll bet five dollars she hain't got a dime.
Pretty Polly Ann's jes a-puttin' on airs,She won't notice me, but nobody cares.
I'll drop Polly Ann, a-lookin' lak a crane;I 'spec's I'll marry Miss Lize Jane.
SLAVE MARRIAGE CEREMONY SUPPLEMENTDark an' stormy may come de wedder;I jines dis he-male an' dis she-male togedder.Let none, but Him dat makes de thunder,Put dis he-male an' dis she-male asunder.I darfore 'nounce you bofe de same.Be good, go 'long, an' keep up yō' name.De broomstick's jumped, de worl's not wide.She's now yō' own. Salute yō' bride!
Dark an' stormy may come de wedder;I jines dis he-male an' dis she-male togedder.Let none, but Him dat makes de thunder,Put dis he-male an' dis she-male asunder.I darfore 'nounce you bofe de same.Be good, go 'long, an' keep up yō' name.De broomstick's jumped, de worl's not wide.She's now yō' own. Salute yō' bride!
THE NEWLY WEDSFirst Mont': "Set down in my cabin, Honey!"Nex' Mont': "Stan' up, my Pie."Third Mont': "You go to wuk, you Wench!You well to wuk as I!"
First Mont': "Set down in my cabin, Honey!"Nex' Mont': "Stan' up, my Pie."Third Mont': "You go to wuk, you Wench!You well to wuk as I!"
WHEN I GO TO MARRYW'en I goes to marry,I wants a gal wid money.I wants a pretty black-eyed galTo kiss an' call me "Honey."Well, w'en I goes to marry,I don't wanter git no riches.I wants a man 'bout four foot high,So's I can w'ar de britches.
W'en I goes to marry,I wants a gal wid money.I wants a pretty black-eyed galTo kiss an' call me "Honey."
Well, w'en I goes to marry,I don't wanter git no riches.I wants a man 'bout four foot high,So's I can w'ar de britches.
BOUGHT ME A WIFEBought me a wife an' de wife please me,I feeds my wife un'er yon'er tree.My wife go: "Row-row!"My guinea go: "Potrack!Potrack!"My chicken go: "Gymsack! Gymsack!"My duck go: "Quack-quack! Quack-quack!"My dog go: "Bow-bow!"My hoss go: "Whee-whee! Whee-whee!"My cat go: "Fiddle-toe! Fiddle-toe!"
Bought me a wife an' de wife please me,I feeds my wife un'er yon'er tree.My wife go: "Row-row!"My guinea go: "Potrack!Potrack!"My chicken go: "Gymsack! Gymsack!"My duck go: "Quack-quack! Quack-quack!"My dog go: "Bow-bow!"My hoss go: "Whee-whee! Whee-whee!"My cat go: "Fiddle-toe! Fiddle-toe!"
WHEN I WAS A "ROUSTABOUT"W'en I wus a "Roustabout," wild an' young,I co'ted my gal wid a mighty slick tongue.I tōl' her some oncommon lies dere an' den.I tōl' her dat we'd marry, but I didn' say w'en.So on a Mond'y mornin' I tuck her fer my wife.Of co'se I wus 'spectin' an agreeable life.But on a Chuesd'y mornin' she chuned up her pipe,An' she 'bused me more 'an I'd been 'bused all my life.On a Wednesd'y evenin', as I come 'long home,I says to myse'f dat she wus all my own;An' on a Thursd'y night I went out to de woods,An' I cut me two big fine tough leatherwoods.So on a Frid'y mornin' w'en she roll me 'er eyes,I retched fer my leatherwoods to give 'er a s'prise,Dem long keen leatherwoods wuked mighty well,An' 'er tongue, it jes rattle lak a clapper in a bell.On a Sadd'y mornin' she sleep sorter late;An' de las' time I see'd her, she 'us gwine out de gate.I wus feedin' at de stable, lookin' out through a crack,An' she lef' my log cabin 'fore I could git back.On a Sund'y mornin', as I laid on my bed,I didn' have no Nigger wife to bother my head.Now whisky an' brandy jug's my biges' bes' friend,An' my long week's wuk is about at its end.
W'en I wus a "Roustabout," wild an' young,I co'ted my gal wid a mighty slick tongue.I tōl' her some oncommon lies dere an' den.I tōl' her dat we'd marry, but I didn' say w'en.
So on a Mond'y mornin' I tuck her fer my wife.Of co'se I wus 'spectin' an agreeable life.But on a Chuesd'y mornin' she chuned up her pipe,An' she 'bused me more 'an I'd been 'bused all my life.
On a Wednesd'y evenin', as I come 'long home,I says to myse'f dat she wus all my own;An' on a Thursd'y night I went out to de woods,An' I cut me two big fine tough leatherwoods.
So on a Frid'y mornin' w'en she roll me 'er eyes,I retched fer my leatherwoods to give 'er a s'prise,Dem long keen leatherwoods wuked mighty well,An' 'er tongue, it jes rattle lak a clapper in a bell.
On a Sadd'y mornin' she sleep sorter late;An' de las' time I see'd her, she 'us gwine out de gate.I wus feedin' at de stable, lookin' out through a crack,An' she lef' my log cabin 'fore I could git back.
On a Sund'y mornin', as I laid on my bed,I didn' have no Nigger wife to bother my head.Now whisky an' brandy jug's my biges' bes' friend,An' my long week's wuk is about at its end.
MY FIRST AND MY SECOND WIFEMy fust liddle wife wus short an' fat.Her face wus as black as my ole hat,Her nose all flat, an' her eyes sunk in,An' dat lip hang down below her chin.Now wusn't I sorrowful in mind?W'en I went down to dat wife's brother;He said: "She 'us tired. Gwineter marry 'nother."If I ever ketches dat city Coon,He railly mought see my razzer soon.Den I 'spec's he'd be troubled in mind!My nex' wife hug an' kiss me,She call me "Sugar Plum!"She throw her arms 'round me,Lak a grapevine 'round de gum!Wusn't dat glory to my soul!Her cheeks, dey're lak de cherry;Dat Cherry, it's lak de rose.Wid a liddle dimple in her chin,An' a liddle tu'ned up nose!Oh, hain't I happy in mind!I'se got you, Lou, now fer my wife.Keep new Coons 'way, "My Pie!"Caze, if you don't, I tells you now,Dat we all three mought die.Den we'd be troubled in min'!
My fust liddle wife wus short an' fat.Her face wus as black as my ole hat,Her nose all flat, an' her eyes sunk in,An' dat lip hang down below her chin.Now wusn't I sorrowful in mind?
W'en I went down to dat wife's brother;He said: "She 'us tired. Gwineter marry 'nother."If I ever ketches dat city Coon,He railly mought see my razzer soon.Den I 'spec's he'd be troubled in mind!
My nex' wife hug an' kiss me,She call me "Sugar Plum!"She throw her arms 'round me,Lak a grapevine 'round de gum!Wusn't dat glory to my soul!
Her cheeks, dey're lak de cherry;Dat Cherry, it's lak de rose.Wid a liddle dimple in her chin,An' a liddle tu'ned up nose!Oh, hain't I happy in mind!
I'se got you, Lou, now fer my wife.Keep new Coons 'way, "My Pie!"Caze, if you don't, I tells you now,Dat we all three mought die.Den we'd be troubled in min'!
GOOD-BY, WIFE!I had a liddle wife,An' I didn' want to kill 'er;So I tuck 'er by de heels,An' I throwed 'er in de river."Good-by, Wife! Good-by, Honey!Hadn' been fer you,I'd a had a liddle money."My liddle fussy wifeUp an' say she mus' have scissors;An' druther dan to fight,I'd a throwed 'er in three rivers.But she crossed dem fingers, w'en she go down,An' a liddle bit laterShe walk out on de groun'.
I had a liddle wife,An' I didn' want to kill 'er;So I tuck 'er by de heels,An' I throwed 'er in de river."Good-by, Wife! Good-by, Honey!Hadn' been fer you,I'd a had a liddle money."
My liddle fussy wifeUp an' say she mus' have scissors;An' druther dan to fight,I'd a throwed 'er in three rivers.But she crossed dem fingers, w'en she go down,An' a liddle bit laterShe walk out on de groun'.
[36]AWFUL HARBINGERSW'en de big owl whoops,An' de screech owl screeks,An' de win' makes a howlin' sound;You liddle wooly headsHad better kiver up,Caze de "hants" is comin' 'round.
W'en de big owl whoops,An' de screech owl screeks,An' de win' makes a howlin' sound;You liddle wooly headsHad better kiver up,Caze de "hants" is comin' 'round.
[36]This little rhyme is based upon a superstition once current among Negroes, to the effect that bad luck would come when a screech owl called near your home at night unless, upon hearing him, you would stick the handle of a shovel into the fire about which you were sitting, or would throw salt into it. The word "hant" means ghost or spirit.
[36]This little rhyme is based upon a superstition once current among Negroes, to the effect that bad luck would come when a screech owl called near your home at night unless, upon hearing him, you would stick the handle of a shovel into the fire about which you were sitting, or would throw salt into it. The word "hant" means ghost or spirit.
[36]This little rhyme is based upon a superstition once current among Negroes, to the effect that bad luck would come when a screech owl called near your home at night unless, upon hearing him, you would stick the handle of a shovel into the fire about which you were sitting, or would throw salt into it. The word "hant" means ghost or spirit.
THE LAST OF JACKI had a liddle dog, his name wus Jack;He run forty mile 'fore he look back.W'en he look back, he fall in a crack;W'en he fall in a crack, he break 'is back;An' dat wus de las' o' poor liddle Jack.
I had a liddle dog, his name wus Jack;He run forty mile 'fore he look back.W'en he look back, he fall in a crack;W'en he fall in a crack, he break 'is back;An' dat wus de las' o' poor liddle Jack.
LITTLE DOGSI had a liddle dog; his name wus Ball;W'en I give him a liddle, he want it all.I had a liddle dog, his name wus Trot;He helt up his tail, all tied in a knot.I had a liddle dog, his name wus Blue;I put him on de road, an' he almos' flew.I had a liddle dog, his name wus Mack;I rid his tail fer to save his back.I had a liddle dog, his name wus Rover;W'en he died, he died all over.I had a liddle dog, his name wus Dan;An' w'en he died, I buried 'im in de san'.
I had a liddle dog; his name wus Ball;W'en I give him a liddle, he want it all.
I had a liddle dog, his name wus Trot;He helt up his tail, all tied in a knot.
I had a liddle dog, his name wus Blue;I put him on de road, an' he almos' flew.
I had a liddle dog, his name wus Mack;I rid his tail fer to save his back.
I had a liddle dog, his name wus Rover;W'en he died, he died all over.
I had a liddle dog, his name wus Dan;An' w'en he died, I buried 'im in de san'.
MY DOG, CUFFI had a liddle dog, his name wus Cuff;I sent 'im to town to buy some snuff.He drapped de bale, an' he spilt de snuff,An' I guess dat speech is long enough.
I had a liddle dog, his name wus Cuff;I sent 'im to town to buy some snuff.He drapped de bale, an' he spilt de snuff,An' I guess dat speech is long enough.
SAM IS A CLEVER FELLOWSay! Is yō' peaches ripe, my boy,An' is yō' apples meller?Go an' tell Miss Katie JonesDat Sam's a clever feller.Say! Is yō' cherries red, my boy,An' is yō' plums all yeller?Oh please run tell Miss Katie JonesDat Sam's a clever feller.
Say! Is yō' peaches ripe, my boy,An' is yō' apples meller?Go an' tell Miss Katie JonesDat Sam's a clever feller.
Say! Is yō' cherries red, my boy,An' is yō' plums all yeller?Oh please run tell Miss Katie JonesDat Sam's a clever feller.