AUNT DINAH DRUNKOle Aunt Dinah, she got drunk.She fell in de fire, an' she kicked up a chunk.Dem embers got in Aunt Dinah's shoe,An' dat black Nigger shō' got up an' flew.I likes Aunt Dinah mighty, mighty well,But dere's jes' one thing I hates an' 'spize:She drinks mō' whisky dan de bigges' fool,Den she up an' tell ten thousand lies.Yes, I won't git drunk an' kick up a chunk.I won't git drunk an' kick up a chunk.I won't git drunk an' kick up a chunk,'Way down on de ole Plank Road.Oh shoo my Love! My turkle dove.Oh shoo my Love! My turkle dove.Oh shoo my Love! My turkle dove.'Way down on de ole Plank Road.
Ole Aunt Dinah, she got drunk.She fell in de fire, an' she kicked up a chunk.Dem embers got in Aunt Dinah's shoe,An' dat black Nigger shō' got up an' flew.
I likes Aunt Dinah mighty, mighty well,But dere's jes' one thing I hates an' 'spize:She drinks mō' whisky dan de bigges' fool,Den she up an' tell ten thousand lies.
Yes, I won't git drunk an' kick up a chunk.I won't git drunk an' kick up a chunk.I won't git drunk an' kick up a chunk,'Way down on de ole Plank Road.Oh shoo my Love! My turkle dove.Oh shoo my Love! My turkle dove.Oh shoo my Love! My turkle dove.'Way down on de ole Plank Road.
THE OLD WOMAN IN THE HILLSOnce: Dere wus an ole 'omanDat lived in de hills;Put rocks in 'er stockin's,An' sent 'em to mill.Den: De ole miller swore,By de pint o' his knife;Dat he never had ground upNo rocks in his life.So: De ole 'oman saidTo dat miller nex' day:"You railly must 'scuse me,It's de onliest way.""I heared you made meal,A-grindin' on stones.I mus' 'ave heared wrong,It mus' 'ave been bones."
Once: Dere wus an ole 'omanDat lived in de hills;Put rocks in 'er stockin's,An' sent 'em to mill.
Den: De ole miller swore,By de pint o' his knife;Dat he never had ground upNo rocks in his life.
So: De ole 'oman saidTo dat miller nex' day:"You railly must 'scuse me,It's de onliest way."
"I heared you made meal,A-grindin' on stones.I mus' 'ave heared wrong,It mus' 'ave been bones."
A SICK WIFELas' Sadday night my wife tuck sick,An' what d'you reckon ail her?She e't a tucky gobbler's headAn' her stomach, it jes' fail her.She squall out: "Sam, bring me some mint!Make catnip up an' sage tea!"I goes an' gits her all dem things,But she throw 'em back right to me.Says I: "Dear Honey! Mind nex' time!""Don't eat from 'A to Izzard'""I thinks you won' git sick at all,If you saves pō' me de gizzard."
Las' Sadday night my wife tuck sick,An' what d'you reckon ail her?She e't a tucky gobbler's headAn' her stomach, it jes' fail her.
She squall out: "Sam, bring me some mint!Make catnip up an' sage tea!"I goes an' gits her all dem things,But she throw 'em back right to me.
Says I: "Dear Honey! Mind nex' time!""Don't eat from 'A to Izzard'""I thinks you won' git sick at all,If you saves pō' me de gizzard."
MY WONDERFUL TRAVELI come down from ole Virginny,'Twas on a Summer day;De wedder was all frez up,'An' I skeeted all de way!Interlocution:Hand my banjer down to play,Wanter pick fer dese ladies right away;"W'en dey went to bed,Dey couldn' shet deir eyes,"An' "Dey was stan'in' on deir heads,A-pickin' up de pies."
I come down from ole Virginny,'Twas on a Summer day;De wedder was all frez up,'An' I skeeted all de way!
Interlocution:
Hand my banjer down to play,Wanter pick fer dese ladies right away;
"W'en dey went to bed,Dey couldn' shet deir eyes,"An' "Dey was stan'in' on deir heads,A-pickin' up de pies."
[17]I WOULD NOT MARRY A BLACK GIRLI wouldn' marry a black gal,I'll tell you de reason why:When she goes to comb dat headDe naps'll 'gin to fly.I wouldn' marry a black gal,I'll tell you why I won't:When she'd oughter wash her face—Well, I'll jes say she don't.I woudn' marry a black gal,An' dis is why I say:When you has her face around,It never gits good day.
I wouldn' marry a black gal,I'll tell you de reason why:When she goes to comb dat headDe naps'll 'gin to fly.
I wouldn' marry a black gal,I'll tell you why I won't:When she'd oughter wash her face—Well, I'll jes say she don't.
I woudn' marry a black gal,An' dis is why I say:When you has her face around,It never gits good day.
[17]For discussion see Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.
[17]For discussion see Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.
[17]For discussion see Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.
HARVEST SONGLas' year wus a good crap year,An' we raised beans an' 'maters.We didn' make much cotton an' co'n;But, Goodness Life, de taters!You can plow dat ole gray hoss,I'se gwineter plow dat mulie;An' w'en we's geddered in de craps,I'se gwine down to see Julie.I hain't gwineter wo'k on de railroad.I hates to wo'k on de fahm.I jes wants to set in de cool shade,Wid my head on my Julie's ahm.You swing Lou, an' I'll swing Sue.Dere hain't no diffunce 'tween dese two.You swing Lou, I'll swing my beau;I'se gwineter buy my gal red calico.
Las' year wus a good crap year,An' we raised beans an' 'maters.We didn' make much cotton an' co'n;But, Goodness Life, de taters!
You can plow dat ole gray hoss,I'se gwineter plow dat mulie;An' w'en we's geddered in de craps,I'se gwine down to see Julie.
I hain't gwineter wo'k on de railroad.I hates to wo'k on de fahm.I jes wants to set in de cool shade,Wid my head on my Julie's ahm.
You swing Lou, an' I'll swing Sue.Dere hain't no diffunce 'tween dese two.You swing Lou, I'll swing my beau;I'se gwineter buy my gal red calico.
YEAR OF JUBILEENiggers, has you seed ole Mosser;(Red mustache on his face.)A-gwine 'roun' sometime dis mawnin','Spectin' to leave de place?Nigger Hands all runnin' 'way,Looks lak we mought git free!It mus' be now de[18]Kingdom ComeIn de Year o' Jubilee.Oh, yon'er comes ole MosserWid his red mustache all white!It mus' be now de Kingdom ComeSometime to-morrer night.Yanks locked him in de smokehouse cellar,De key's throwed in de well:It shō' mus' be de Kingdom Come.Go ring dat Nigger field-bell!
Niggers, has you seed ole Mosser;(Red mustache on his face.)A-gwine 'roun' sometime dis mawnin','Spectin' to leave de place?
Nigger Hands all runnin' 'way,Looks lak we mought git free!It mus' be now de[18]Kingdom ComeIn de Year o' Jubilee.
Oh, yon'er comes ole MosserWid his red mustache all white!It mus' be now de Kingdom ComeSometime to-morrer night.
Yanks locked him in de smokehouse cellar,De key's throwed in de well:It shō' mus' be de Kingdom Come.Go ring dat Nigger field-bell!
[18]Kingdom Come = Freedom.
[18]Kingdom Come = Freedom.
[18]Kingdom Come = Freedom.
SHEEP SHELL CORNOh: De Ram blow de ho'n an' de sheep shell co'n;An' he sen' it to de mill by de buck-eyed Whippoorwill.Ole Joe's dead an' gone but his[19]Hant blows de ho'n;An' his hound howls still from de top o' dat hill.Yes: De Fish-hawk said unto Mistah Crane;"I wishes to de Lawd dat you'd sen' a liddle rain;Fer de water's all muddy, an de creek's gone dry;If it 'twasn't fer de tadpoles we'd all die."Oh: When de sheep shell co'n wid de rattle of his ho'nI wishes to de Lawd I'd never been bo'n;Caze when de Hant blows de ho'n, de sperits all dance,An' de hosses an' de cattle, dey whirls 'round an' prance.Oh: Yonder comes Skillet an' dere goes Pot;An' here comes Jawbone 'cross de lot.Walk Jawbone! Beat de Skillet an' de Pan!You cut dat Pigeon's Wing, Black Man!Now: Take keer, gemmuns, an' let me through;Caze I'se gwineter dance wid liddle Mollie Lou.But I'se never seed de lak since I'se been bo'n,When de sheep shell co'n wid de rattle of his ho'n!
Oh: De Ram blow de ho'n an' de sheep shell co'n;An' he sen' it to de mill by de buck-eyed Whippoorwill.Ole Joe's dead an' gone but his[19]Hant blows de ho'n;An' his hound howls still from de top o' dat hill.
Yes: De Fish-hawk said unto Mistah Crane;"I wishes to de Lawd dat you'd sen' a liddle rain;Fer de water's all muddy, an de creek's gone dry;If it 'twasn't fer de tadpoles we'd all die."
Oh: When de sheep shell co'n wid de rattle of his ho'nI wishes to de Lawd I'd never been bo'n;Caze when de Hant blows de ho'n, de sperits all dance,An' de hosses an' de cattle, dey whirls 'round an' prance.
Oh: Yonder comes Skillet an' dere goes Pot;An' here comes Jawbone 'cross de lot.Walk Jawbone! Beat de Skillet an' de Pan!You cut dat Pigeon's Wing, Black Man!
Now: Take keer, gemmuns, an' let me through;Caze I'se gwineter dance wid liddle Mollie Lou.But I'se never seed de lak since I'se been bo'n,When de sheep shell co'n wid de rattle of his ho'n!
[19]Hant = spirit or ghost.
[19]Hant = spirit or ghost.
[19]Hant = spirit or ghost.
PLASTERChilluns:Mammy an' daddy had a hoss,Dey want a liddle bigger.Dey sticked a plaster on his backAn' drawed a liddle Nigger.Den:Mammy an' daddy had a dog,His tail wus short an' chunky.Dey slapped a plaster 'round dat tail,An' drawed it lak de monkey.Well:Mammy an' daddy's dead an' gone.Did you ever hear deir story?Dey sticked some plasters on deir heels,An' drawed 'em up to Glory!
Chilluns:Mammy an' daddy had a hoss,Dey want a liddle bigger.Dey sticked a plaster on his backAn' drawed a liddle Nigger.
Den:Mammy an' daddy had a dog,His tail wus short an' chunky.Dey slapped a plaster 'round dat tail,An' drawed it lak de monkey.
Well:Mammy an' daddy's dead an' gone.Did you ever hear deir story?Dey sticked some plasters on deir heels,An' drawed 'em up to Glory!
UNCLE NEDJes lay down de shovel an' de hoe.Jes hang up de fiddle an' de bow.No more hard work fer ole man Ned,Fer he's gone whar de good Niggers go.He didn' have no years fer to hear,Didn' have no eyes fer to see,Didn' have no teeth fer to eat corn cake,An' he had to let de beefsteak be.Dey called 'im "Ole Uncle Ned,"A long, long time ago.Dere wusn't no wool on de top o' his headIn de place whar de wool oughter grow.When ole man Ned wus dead,Mosser's tears run down lak rain;But ole Miss, she wus a liddle sorter glad,Dat she wouldn' see de ole Nigger 'gain.
Jes lay down de shovel an' de hoe.Jes hang up de fiddle an' de bow.No more hard work fer ole man Ned,Fer he's gone whar de good Niggers go.
He didn' have no years fer to hear,Didn' have no eyes fer to see,Didn' have no teeth fer to eat corn cake,An' he had to let de beefsteak be.
Dey called 'im "Ole Uncle Ned,"A long, long time ago.Dere wusn't no wool on de top o' his headIn de place whar de wool oughter grow.
When ole man Ned wus dead,Mosser's tears run down lak rain;But ole Miss, she wus a liddle sorter glad,Dat she wouldn' see de ole Nigger 'gain.
THE MASTER'S "STOLEN" COATOle Mosser bought a brand new coat,He hung it on de wall.Dat Nigger[20]stole dat coat away,An' wore it to de Ball.His head look lak a Coffee pot,His nose look lak de spout,His mouf look lak de fier place,Wid de ashes all tuck out.His face look lak a skillet lid,His years lak two big kites.His eyes look lak two big biled aigs,Wid de yallers in de whites.His body 'us lak a stuffed toad frog,His foot look lak a board.Oh-oh! He thinks he is so fine,But he's greener dan a gourd.
Ole Mosser bought a brand new coat,He hung it on de wall.Dat Nigger[20]stole dat coat away,An' wore it to de Ball.
His head look lak a Coffee pot,His nose look lak de spout,His mouf look lak de fier place,Wid de ashes all tuck out.
His face look lak a skillet lid,His years lak two big kites.His eyes look lak two big biled aigs,Wid de yallers in de whites.
His body 'us lak a stuffed toad frog,His foot look lak a board.Oh-oh! He thinks he is so fine,But he's greener dan a gourd.
[20]Stole, here, means taken temporarily with intention to return.
[20]Stole, here, means taken temporarily with intention to return.
[20]Stole, here, means taken temporarily with intention to return.
[21]I WOULDN'T MARRY A YELLOW OR A WHITE NEGRO GIRLI sho' loves dat gal dat dey calls Sally[22]"Black,"An' I sorter loves some of de res';I first loves de gals fer lovin' me,Den I loves myse'f de bes'.I wouldn' marry dat yaller Nigger gal,An' I'll tell you de reason why:Her neck's drawed out so stringy an' long,I'se afeared she 'ould never die.I wouldn' marry dat White Nigger gal,(Fer gracious sakes!) dis is why:Her nose look lak a kittle spout;An' her skin, it hain't never dry.
I sho' loves dat gal dat dey calls Sally[22]"Black,"An' I sorter loves some of de res';I first loves de gals fer lovin' me,Den I loves myse'f de bes'.
I wouldn' marry dat yaller Nigger gal,An' I'll tell you de reason why:Her neck's drawed out so stringy an' long,I'se afeared she 'ould never die.
I wouldn' marry dat White Nigger gal,(Fer gracious sakes!) dis is why:Her nose look lak a kittle spout;An' her skin, it hain't never dry.
[21]For discussion see Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.[22]"Black" here is not the real name. This name is applied because of the complexion of the girls to whom it was sung.
[21]For discussion see Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.
[21]For discussion see Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.
[22]"Black" here is not the real name. This name is applied because of the complexion of the girls to whom it was sung.
[22]"Black" here is not the real name. This name is applied because of the complexion of the girls to whom it was sung.
DON'T ASK ME QUESTIONSDon't ax me no questions,An' I won't tell you no lies;But bring me dem apples,An' I'll make you some pies.An' if you ax questions,'Bout my havin' de flour;I fergits to use 'lassesAn' de pie'll be all sour.Dem apples jes wa'k here;An' dem 'lasses, dey run.Hain't no place lak my houseFound un'er de sun.
Don't ax me no questions,An' I won't tell you no lies;But bring me dem apples,An' I'll make you some pies.
An' if you ax questions,'Bout my havin' de flour;I fergits to use 'lassesAn' de pie'll be all sour.
Dem apples jes wa'k here;An' dem 'lasses, dey run.Hain't no place lak my houseFound un'er de sun.
THE OLD SECTION BOSSI once knowed an ole Sexion Boss but he done been laid low.I once knowed an ole Sexion Boss but he done been laid low.He "Caame frum gude ole Ireland some fawhrty year ago."W'en I ax 'im fer a job, he say: "Nayger, w'at can yer do?"W'en I ax 'im fer a job, he say: "Nayger, w'at can yer do?""I can line de track; tote de jack, de pick an' shovel too."Says he: "Nayger, de railroad's done, an' de chyars is on de track,"Says he: "Nayger, de railroad's done, an' de chyars is on de track,""Transportation brung yer here, but yō' money'll take yer back."I went down to de Deepo, an' my ticket I shō' did draw.I went down to de Deepo, an' my ticket I shō' did draw.To take me over dat ole Iron Mountain to de State o' Arkansaw.As I went sailin' down de road, I met my mudder-in-law.I wus so tired an' hongry, man, dat I couldn' wuk my jaw.Fer I hadn't had no decent grub since I lef' ole Arkansaw.Her bread wus hard corndodgers; dat meat, I couldn' chaw.Her bread wus hard corndodgers; dat meat, I couldn' chaw.You see; dat's de way de Hoosiers feeds way out in Arkansaw.
I once knowed an ole Sexion Boss but he done been laid low.I once knowed an ole Sexion Boss but he done been laid low.He "Caame frum gude ole Ireland some fawhrty year ago."
W'en I ax 'im fer a job, he say: "Nayger, w'at can yer do?"W'en I ax 'im fer a job, he say: "Nayger, w'at can yer do?""I can line de track; tote de jack, de pick an' shovel too."
Says he: "Nayger, de railroad's done, an' de chyars is on de track,"Says he: "Nayger, de railroad's done, an' de chyars is on de track,""Transportation brung yer here, but yō' money'll take yer back."
I went down to de Deepo, an' my ticket I shō' did draw.I went down to de Deepo, an' my ticket I shō' did draw.To take me over dat ole Iron Mountain to de State o' Arkansaw.
As I went sailin' down de road, I met my mudder-in-law.I wus so tired an' hongry, man, dat I couldn' wuk my jaw.Fer I hadn't had no decent grub since I lef' ole Arkansaw.
Her bread wus hard corndodgers; dat meat, I couldn' chaw.Her bread wus hard corndodgers; dat meat, I couldn' chaw.You see; dat's de way de Hoosiers feeds way out in Arkansaw.
THE NEGRO AND THE POLICEMAN"Oh Mistah Policeman, tu'n me loose;Hain't got no money but a good excuse."Oh hello, Sarah Jane!Dat ole Policeman treat me mean,He make me wa'k to Bowlin' Green.Oh hello, Sarah Jane!De way he treat me wus a shame.He make me wear dat Ball an' Chain.Oh hello, Sarah Jane!I runs to de river, I can't git 'cross;Dat Police grab me an' swim lak a hoss.Oh hello, Sarah Jane!I goes up town to git me a gun,Dat ole Police shō' make me run.Oh hello, Sarah Jane!I goes crosstown sorter walkin' wid a humpAn' dat ole Policeshō'make me jump.Oh hello, Sarah Jane!Sarah Jane, is dat yō' name?Us boys, we calls you Sarah Jane.Well, hello, Sarah Jane!
"Oh Mistah Policeman, tu'n me loose;Hain't got no money but a good excuse."Oh hello, Sarah Jane!
Dat ole Policeman treat me mean,He make me wa'k to Bowlin' Green.Oh hello, Sarah Jane!
De way he treat me wus a shame.He make me wear dat Ball an' Chain.Oh hello, Sarah Jane!
I runs to de river, I can't git 'cross;Dat Police grab me an' swim lak a hoss.Oh hello, Sarah Jane!
I goes up town to git me a gun,Dat ole Police shō' make me run.Oh hello, Sarah Jane!
I goes crosstown sorter walkin' wid a humpAn' dat ole Policeshō'make me jump.Oh hello, Sarah Jane!
Sarah Jane, is dat yō' name?Us boys, we calls you Sarah Jane.Well, hello, Sarah Jane!
HAM BEATS ALL MEATDem white folks set up in a Dinin' RoomAn' dey charve dat mutton an' lam'.De Nigger, he set 'hind de kitchen door,An' he eat up de good sweet ham.Dem white folks, dey set up an' look so fine,An' dey eats dat ole cow meat;But de Nigger grin an' he don't say much,Still he know how to git what's sweet.Deir ginger cakes taste right good sometimes,An' deir Cobblers an' deir jam.But fer every day an' Sunday too,Jest gimme de good sweet ham.Ham beats all meat,Always good an' sweet.Ham beats all meat,I'se always ready to eat.You can bake it, bile it, fry it, stew it,An' still it's de good sweet ham.
Dem white folks set up in a Dinin' RoomAn' dey charve dat mutton an' lam'.De Nigger, he set 'hind de kitchen door,An' he eat up de good sweet ham.
Dem white folks, dey set up an' look so fine,An' dey eats dat ole cow meat;But de Nigger grin an' he don't say much,Still he know how to git what's sweet.
Deir ginger cakes taste right good sometimes,An' deir Cobblers an' deir jam.But fer every day an' Sunday too,Jest gimme de good sweet ham.
Ham beats all meat,Always good an' sweet.Ham beats all meat,I'se always ready to eat.You can bake it, bile it, fry it, stew it,An' still it's de good sweet ham.
SUZE ANNYes: I loves dat gal wid a blue dress on,Dat de white folks calls Suze Ann.She's jes' dat gal what stole my heart,'Way down in Alabam'.But: She loves a Nigger about nineteen,Wid his lips all painted red;Wid a liddle fuz around his mouf;An' no brains in his head.Now: Looky, looky Eas'! Oh, looky, looky Wes'!I'se been down to ole Lou'zan';Still dat ar gal I loves de bes'Is de gal what's named Suze Ann.Oh, head 'er! Head 'er! Ketch 'er!Jump up an'[23]"Jubal Jew."Fer de Banger Picker's sayin':He hain't got nothin' to do.
Yes: I loves dat gal wid a blue dress on,Dat de white folks calls Suze Ann.She's jes' dat gal what stole my heart,'Way down in Alabam'.
But: She loves a Nigger about nineteen,Wid his lips all painted red;Wid a liddle fuz around his mouf;An' no brains in his head.
Now: Looky, looky Eas'! Oh, looky, looky Wes'!I'se been down to ole Lou'zan';Still dat ar gal I loves de bes'Is de gal what's named Suze Ann.Oh, head 'er! Head 'er! Ketch 'er!Jump up an'[23]"Jubal Jew."Fer de Banger Picker's sayin':He hain't got nothin' to do.
[23]Jubal Jew is a kind of dance step.
[23]Jubal Jew is a kind of dance step.
[23]Jubal Jew is a kind of dance step.
WALK TOM WILSONOle Tom Wilson, he had 'im a hoss;His legs so long he couldn' git 'em 'cross.He laid up dar lak a bag o' meal,An' he spur him in de flank wid his toenail heel.Ole Tom Wilson, he come an' he go,Frum cabin to cabin in de county-o.W'en he go to bed, his legs hang do'n,An' his foots makes poles fer de chickens t' roost on.Tom went down to de river, an' he couldn' go 'cross.Tom tromp on a 'gater an' 'e think 'e wus a hoss.Wid a mouf wide open, 'gater jump from de san',An' dat Nigger look clean down to de Promus' Lan'.Wa'k Tom Wilson, git out'n de way!Wa'k Tom Wilson, don't wait all de day!Wa'k Tom Wilson, here afternoon;Sweep dat kitchen wid a bran' new broom.
Ole Tom Wilson, he had 'im a hoss;His legs so long he couldn' git 'em 'cross.He laid up dar lak a bag o' meal,An' he spur him in de flank wid his toenail heel.
Ole Tom Wilson, he come an' he go,Frum cabin to cabin in de county-o.W'en he go to bed, his legs hang do'n,An' his foots makes poles fer de chickens t' roost on.
Tom went down to de river, an' he couldn' go 'cross.Tom tromp on a 'gater an' 'e think 'e wus a hoss.Wid a mouf wide open, 'gater jump from de san',An' dat Nigger look clean down to de Promus' Lan'.
Wa'k Tom Wilson, git out'n de way!Wa'k Tom Wilson, don't wait all de day!Wa'k Tom Wilson, here afternoon;Sweep dat kitchen wid a bran' new broom.
CHICKEN PIEIf you wants to make an ole Nigger feel good,Let me tell you w'at to do:Jes take off a chicken from dat chicken roost,An' take 'im along wid you.Take a liddle dough to roll 'im up in,An' it'll make you wink yō' eye;Wen dat good smell gits up yō' nose,Frum dat home-made chicken pie.Jes go round w'en de night's sorter dark,An' dem chickens, dey can't see.Be shore dat de bad dog's all tied up,Den slip right close to de tree.Now retch outyō'han' an' pull 'im in,Den run lak a William goat;An' if he holler, squeeze 'is neck,An' shove 'im un'er yō' coat.Bake dat Chicken pie!It's mighty hard to waitWhen you see dat Chicken pie,Hot, smokin' on de plate.Bake dat Chicken pie!Yes, put in lots o' spice.Oh, how I hopes to GoodnessDat I gits de bigges' slice.
If you wants to make an ole Nigger feel good,Let me tell you w'at to do:Jes take off a chicken from dat chicken roost,An' take 'im along wid you.Take a liddle dough to roll 'im up in,An' it'll make you wink yō' eye;Wen dat good smell gits up yō' nose,Frum dat home-made chicken pie.
Jes go round w'en de night's sorter dark,An' dem chickens, dey can't see.Be shore dat de bad dog's all tied up,Den slip right close to de tree.Now retch outyō'han' an' pull 'im in,Den run lak a William goat;An' if he holler, squeeze 'is neck,An' shove 'im un'er yō' coat.
Bake dat Chicken pie!It's mighty hard to waitWhen you see dat Chicken pie,Hot, smokin' on de plate.Bake dat Chicken pie!Yes, put in lots o' spice.Oh, how I hopes to GoodnessDat I gits de bigges' slice.
I AM NOT GOING TO HOBO ANY MOREMy mammy done tol' me a long time agoTo always try fer to be a good boy;To lay on my pallet an' to waller on de flō';An' to never leave my daddy's house.I hain't never gwineter hobo no mō'. By George!I hain't never gwineter hobo no mō'.Yes, befō' I'd live dat ar hobo life,I'll tell you what I'd jes go an' do:I'd court dat pretty gal an' take 'er fer my wife,Den jes lay 'side dat ar hobo life.I hain't never gwineter hobo no mō'. By George!I hain't never gwineter hobo no mō'.
My mammy done tol' me a long time agoTo always try fer to be a good boy;To lay on my pallet an' to waller on de flō';An' to never leave my daddy's house.I hain't never gwineter hobo no mō'. By George!I hain't never gwineter hobo no mō'.
Yes, befō' I'd live dat ar hobo life,I'll tell you what I'd jes go an' do:I'd court dat pretty gal an' take 'er fer my wife,Den jes lay 'side dat ar hobo life.I hain't never gwineter hobo no mō'. By George!I hain't never gwineter hobo no mō'.
FORTY-FOURIf de people'll jes gimmeDes a liddle bit o' peace,I'll tell 'em what happenTo de Chief o' Perlice.He met a robberRight at de dō'!An' de robber, he shot 'imWid a forty-fō'!He shot dat Perliceman.He shot 'im shō'!What did he shoot 'im wid?A forty-fō'.Dey sent fer de DoctahAn' de Doctah he come.He come in a hurry,He come in a run.He come wid his instrimentsRight in his han',To progue an' findDat forty-fō', Man!De Doctah he progued;He progued 'im shō'!But he jes couldn' findDat forty-fō'.Dey sent fer de Preachah,An' de preachah he come.He come in a walk,An' he come in to talk.He come wid 'is Bible,Right in 'is han',An' he read from dat chapter,Forty-fō', Man!Dat Preachah, he read.He read, I know.What Chapter did he read frum?'Twus Forty-fō'!
If de people'll jes gimmeDes a liddle bit o' peace,I'll tell 'em what happenTo de Chief o' Perlice.He met a robberRight at de dō'!An' de robber, he shot 'imWid a forty-fō'!He shot dat Perliceman.He shot 'im shō'!What did he shoot 'im wid?A forty-fō'.
Dey sent fer de DoctahAn' de Doctah he come.He come in a hurry,He come in a run.He come wid his instrimentsRight in his han',To progue an' findDat forty-fō', Man!De Doctah he progued;He progued 'im shō'!But he jes couldn' findDat forty-fō'.
Dey sent fer de Preachah,An' de preachah he come.He come in a walk,An' he come in to talk.He come wid 'is Bible,Right in 'is han',An' he read from dat chapter,Forty-fō', Man!Dat Preachah, he read.He read, I know.What Chapter did he read frum?'Twus Forty-fō'!
BLINDFOLD PLAY CHANTOh blin' man! Oh blin' man!You cain't never see.Just tu'n 'round three timesYou cain't ketch me.Oh tu'n Eas'! Oh tu'n Wes'!Ketch us if you can.Did you thought dat you'd cotch us,Mistah blin' man?
Oh blin' man! Oh blin' man!You cain't never see.Just tu'n 'round three timesYou cain't ketch me.
Oh tu'n Eas'! Oh tu'n Wes'!Ketch us if you can.Did you thought dat you'd cotch us,Mistah blin' man?
FOX AND GEESE PLAY[24](FoxCall) "Fox in de mawnin'!"(GooseSponse) "Goose in de evenin'!"(FoxCall) "How many geese you got?"(GooseSponse) "More 'an you're able to ketch!"
[24](FoxCall) "Fox in de mawnin'!"(GooseSponse) "Goose in de evenin'!"
(FoxCall) "How many geese you got?"(GooseSponse) "More 'an you're able to ketch!"
[24]For explanation of "call," and "sponse," see Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.
[24]For explanation of "call," and "sponse," see Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.
[24]For explanation of "call," and "sponse," see Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.
HAWK AND CHICKENS PLAY[25](Chicken'sCall)"Chickamee, chickamee, cranie-crow."I went to de well to wash my toe.W'en I come back, my chicken wus gone.W'at time, ole Witch?(HawkSponse) "One"(HawkCall) "I wants a chick."(Chicken'sSponse) "Well, you cain't git mine."(HawkCall) "I shall have a chick!"(Chicken'sSponse) "You shan't have a chick!"
[25](Chicken'sCall)"Chickamee, chickamee, cranie-crow."I went to de well to wash my toe.W'en I come back, my chicken wus gone.W'at time, ole Witch?(HawkSponse) "One"
(HawkCall) "I wants a chick."(Chicken'sSponse) "Well, you cain't git mine."
(HawkCall) "I shall have a chick!"(Chicken'sSponse) "You shan't have a chick!"
[25]For explanation of "call," and "sponse," see Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.
[25]For explanation of "call," and "sponse," see Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.
[25]For explanation of "call," and "sponse," see Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.
CAUGHT BY THE WITCH PLAY(HumanCall) "Molly, Molly, Molly-bright!"(WitchSponse) "Three scō' an' ten!"(HumanCall) "Can we git dar 'fore candle-light?"(WitchSponse) "Yes, if yō' legs is long an' light."(Conscience's WarningCall) "You'd better watch out,Or de witches'll git yer!"
(HumanCall) "Molly, Molly, Molly-bright!"(WitchSponse) "Three scō' an' ten!"
(HumanCall) "Can we git dar 'fore candle-light?"(WitchSponse) "Yes, if yō' legs is long an' light."
(Conscience's WarningCall) "You'd better watch out,Or de witches'll git yer!"
[26]GOOSIE-GANDER PLAY RHYME"Goosie, goosie, goosie-gander!What d'you say?"—"Say: 'Goose!'"—"Ve'y well, go right along, Honey!I tu'ns yō' years a-loose.""Goosie, goosie, goosie-gander!What d'you say?"—"Say: 'Gander'""Ve'y well. Come in de ring, Honey!I'll pull yō' years way yander!"
"Goosie, goosie, goosie-gander!What d'you say?"—"Say: 'Goose!'"—"Ve'y well, go right along, Honey!I tu'ns yō' years a-loose."
"Goosie, goosie, goosie-gander!What d'you say?"—"Say: 'Gander'""Ve'y well. Come in de ring, Honey!I'll pull yō' years way yander!"
[26]For explanation read the Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.
[26]For explanation read the Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.
[26]For explanation read the Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.
HAWK AND BUZZARDOnce: De Hawk an' de buzzard went to roost,An' de hawk got up wid a broke off tooth.Den: De hawk an' de buzzard went to law,An' de hawk come back wid a broke up jaw.But lastly: Dat buzzard tried to plead his case,Den he went home wid a smashed in face.
Once: De Hawk an' de buzzard went to roost,An' de hawk got up wid a broke off tooth.
Den: De hawk an' de buzzard went to law,An' de hawk come back wid a broke up jaw.
But lastly: Dat buzzard tried to plead his case,Den he went home wid a smashed in face.
LIKES AND DISLIKESI sho' loves Miss Donie! Oh, yes, I do!She's neat in de waist,Lak a needle in de case;An' she suits my taste.I'se gwineter run wid Mollie Roalin'! Oh, yes, I will!She's pretty an' niceLak a bottle full o' spice,But she's done drap me twice.I don't lak Miss Jane! Oh no, I don't.She's fat an' stout,Got her mouf sticked out,An' she laks to pout.
I sho' loves Miss Donie! Oh, yes, I do!She's neat in de waist,Lak a needle in de case;An' she suits my taste.
I'se gwineter run wid Mollie Roalin'! Oh, yes, I will!She's pretty an' niceLak a bottle full o' spice,But she's done drap me twice.
I don't lak Miss Jane! Oh no, I don't.She's fat an' stout,Got her mouf sticked out,An' she laks to pout.
SUSIE GIRLRing 'round, Miss Susie gal,Ring 'round, "My Dovie."Ring 'round, Miss Susie gal.Bless you! "My Lovie."Back 'way, Miss Susie gal.Back 'way, "My Money."Now come back, Miss Susie gal.Dat's right! "My Honey."Swing me, Miss Susie gal.Swing me, "My Starlin'."Jes swing me, my Susie gal.Yes "Love!" "My Darlin'."
Ring 'round, Miss Susie gal,Ring 'round, "My Dovie."Ring 'round, Miss Susie gal.Bless you! "My Lovie."
Back 'way, Miss Susie gal.Back 'way, "My Money."Now come back, Miss Susie gal.Dat's right! "My Honey."
Swing me, Miss Susie gal.Swing me, "My Starlin'."Jes swing me, my Susie gal.Yes "Love!" "My Darlin'."
SUSAN JANEI know somebody's got my Lover;Susan Jane! Susan Jane!Oh, cain't you tell me; help me find 'er?Susan Jane! Susan Jane!If I lives to see nex' Fall;Susan Jane! Susan Jane!I hain't gwineter sow no wheat at all.Susan Jane! Susan Jane!'Way down yon'er in de middle o' de branch;Susan Jane! Susan Jane!De ole cow pat an' de buzzards dance.Susan Jane! Susan Jane!
I know somebody's got my Lover;Susan Jane! Susan Jane!Oh, cain't you tell me; help me find 'er?Susan Jane! Susan Jane!
If I lives to see nex' Fall;Susan Jane! Susan Jane!I hain't gwineter sow no wheat at all.Susan Jane! Susan Jane!
'Way down yon'er in de middle o' de branch;Susan Jane! Susan Jane!De ole cow pat an' de buzzards dance.Susan Jane! Susan Jane!
PEEP SQUIRRELPeep squir'l, ying-ding-did-lum;Peep squir'l, it's almos' day,Look squir'l, ying-ding-did-lum,Look squir'l, an' run away.Walk squir'l, ying-ding-did-lum;Walk squir'l, fer dat's de way.Skip squir'l, ying-ding-did-lum;Skip squir'l, all dress in gray.Run squir'l! Ying-ding-did-lum!Run squir'l! Oh, run away!I cotch you squir'l! Ying-ding-did-lum!I cotch you squir'l! Now stay, I say.
Peep squir'l, ying-ding-did-lum;Peep squir'l, it's almos' day,Look squir'l, ying-ding-did-lum,Look squir'l, an' run away.
Walk squir'l, ying-ding-did-lum;Walk squir'l, fer dat's de way.Skip squir'l, ying-ding-did-lum;Skip squir'l, all dress in gray.
Run squir'l! Ying-ding-did-lum!Run squir'l! Oh, run away!I cotch you squir'l! Ying-ding-did-lum!I cotch you squir'l! Now stay, I say.
DID YOU FEED MY COW?"Did yer feed my cow?" "Yes, Mam!""Will yer tell me how?" "Yes, Mam!""Oh, w'at did yer give 'er?" "Cawn an' hay.""Oh, w'at did yer give 'er?" "Cawn an' hay.""Did yer milk 'er good?" "Yes, Mam!""Did yer do lak yer should?" "Yes, Mam!""Oh, how did yer milk 'er?" "Swish! Swish! Swish!""Oh, how did yer milk 'er?" "Swish! Swish! Swish!""Did dat cow git sick?" "Yes, Mam!""Wus she kivered wid tick?" "Yes, Mam!""Oh, how wus she sick?" "All bloated up.""Oh, how wus she sick?" "All bloated up.""Did dat cow die?" "Yes, Mam!""Wid a pain in 'er eye?" "Yes, Mam!""Oh, how did she die?" "Uh-! Uh-! Uh-!""Oh, how did she die?" "Uh-! Uh-! Uh-!""Did de Buzzards come?" "Yes, Mam!""Fer to pick 'er bone?" "Yes, Mam!""Oh, how did they come?" "Flop! Flop! Flop!""Oh, how did they come?" "Flop! Flop! Flop!"
"Did yer feed my cow?" "Yes, Mam!""Will yer tell me how?" "Yes, Mam!""Oh, w'at did yer give 'er?" "Cawn an' hay.""Oh, w'at did yer give 'er?" "Cawn an' hay."
"Did yer milk 'er good?" "Yes, Mam!""Did yer do lak yer should?" "Yes, Mam!""Oh, how did yer milk 'er?" "Swish! Swish! Swish!""Oh, how did yer milk 'er?" "Swish! Swish! Swish!"
"Did dat cow git sick?" "Yes, Mam!""Wus she kivered wid tick?" "Yes, Mam!""Oh, how wus she sick?" "All bloated up.""Oh, how wus she sick?" "All bloated up."
"Did dat cow die?" "Yes, Mam!""Wid a pain in 'er eye?" "Yes, Mam!""Oh, how did she die?" "Uh-! Uh-! Uh-!""Oh, how did she die?" "Uh-! Uh-! Uh-!"
"Did de Buzzards come?" "Yes, Mam!""Fer to pick 'er bone?" "Yes, Mam!""Oh, how did they come?" "Flop! Flop! Flop!""Oh, how did they come?" "Flop! Flop! Flop!"
A BUDGETIf I lives to see nex' SpringI'se gwineter buy my wife a big gold ring.If I lives to see nex' Fall,I'se gwinter buy my wife a waterfall."When Christmas comes?" You cunnin' elf!I'se gwineter spen' my money on myself.
If I lives to see nex' SpringI'se gwineter buy my wife a big gold ring.
If I lives to see nex' Fall,I'se gwinter buy my wife a waterfall.
"When Christmas comes?" You cunnin' elf!I'se gwineter spen' my money on myself.
THE OLD BLACK GNATSDem ole black gnats, dey is so badI cain't git out'n here.Dey stings, an' bites, an' runs me mad;I cain't git out'n here.Dem ole black gnats dey sings de song,"You cain't git out'n here.Ole Satan'll git you befō' long;You cain't git out'n here."Dey burns my years, gits in my eye;An' I cain't git out'n here.Dey makes me dance, dey makes me cry;An' I cain't git out'n here.I fans an' knocks but dey won't go 'way!I cain't git out'n here.Dey makes me wish 'twus Jedgment Day;Fer I cain't git out'n here.
Dem ole black gnats, dey is so badI cain't git out'n here.Dey stings, an' bites, an' runs me mad;I cain't git out'n here.
Dem ole black gnats dey sings de song,"You cain't git out'n here.Ole Satan'll git you befō' long;You cain't git out'n here."
Dey burns my years, gits in my eye;An' I cain't git out'n here.Dey makes me dance, dey makes me cry;An' I cain't git out'n here.
I fans an' knocks but dey won't go 'way!I cain't git out'n here.Dey makes me wish 'twus Jedgment Day;Fer I cain't git out'n here.
SUGAR LOAF TEABring through yō'[27]Sugar-lō'-tea, bring through yō'[27]Candy,All I want is to wheel, an' tu'n, an' bow to my Love so handy.You tu'n here on Sugar-lō'-tea, I'll tu'n there on Candy.All I want is to wheel, an' tu'n, an' bow to my Love so handy.Some gits drunk on Sugar-lō'-tea, some gits drunk on Candy,But all I wants is to wheel, an' tu'n, an' bow to my Love so handy.
Bring through yō'[27]Sugar-lō'-tea, bring through yō'[27]Candy,All I want is to wheel, an' tu'n, an' bow to my Love so handy.
You tu'n here on Sugar-lō'-tea, I'll tu'n there on Candy.All I want is to wheel, an' tu'n, an' bow to my Love so handy.
Some gits drunk on Sugar-lō'-tea, some gits drunk on Candy,But all I wants is to wheel, an' tu'n, an' bow to my Love so handy.
[27]Nicknames applied in imagination to the women engaged in playing in the Play Song.
[27]Nicknames applied in imagination to the women engaged in playing in the Play Song.
[27]Nicknames applied in imagination to the women engaged in playing in the Play Song.
GREEN OAK TREE! ROCKY'OGreen oak tree! Rocky'o! Green oak tree! Rocky'o!Call dat one you loves, who it may be,To come an' set by de side o' me."Will you hug 'im once an' kiss 'im twice?""W'y! I wouldn' kiss 'im once fer to save 'is life!"Green oak tree! Rocky'o! Green oak tree! Rocky'o!
Green oak tree! Rocky'o! Green oak tree! Rocky'o!Call dat one you loves, who it may be,To come an' set by de side o' me."Will you hug 'im once an' kiss 'im twice?""W'y! I wouldn' kiss 'im once fer to save 'is life!"Green oak tree! Rocky'o! Green oak tree! Rocky'o!
KISSING SONGA sleish o' bread an' butter fried,Is good enough fer yō' sweet Bride.Now choose yō' Lover, w'ile we sing,An' call 'er nex' onto de ring."Oh my Love, how I loves you!Nothin' 's in dis worl' above you.Dis right han', fersake it never.Dis heart, you mus' keep forever.One sweet kiss, I now takes from you;Caze I'se gwine away to leave you."
A sleish o' bread an' butter fried,Is good enough fer yō' sweet Bride.Now choose yō' Lover, w'ile we sing,An' call 'er nex' onto de ring.
"Oh my Love, how I loves you!Nothin' 's in dis worl' above you.Dis right han', fersake it never.Dis heart, you mus' keep forever.One sweet kiss, I now takes from you;Caze I'se gwine away to leave you."
KNEEL ON THIS CARPETJes choose yō' Eas'; jes choose yō' Wes'.Now choose de one you loves de bes'.If she hain't here to take 'er partChoose some one else wid all yō' heart.Down on dis chyarpet you mus' kneel,Shore as de grass grows in de fiel'.Salute yō' Bride, an' kiss her sweet,An' den rise up upon yō' feet.
Jes choose yō' Eas'; jes choose yō' Wes'.Now choose de one you loves de bes'.If she hain't here to take 'er partChoose some one else wid all yō' heart.
Down on dis chyarpet you mus' kneel,Shore as de grass grows in de fiel'.Salute yō' Bride, an' kiss her sweet,An' den rise up upon yō' feet.
SALT RISING BREADI loves saltin', saltin' bread.I loves saltin', saltin' bread.Put on dat skillet, nev' mind de lead;Caze I'se gwineter cook dat saltin' bread;Yes, ever since my mammy's been dead,I'se been makin' an' cookin' dat saltin' bread.I loves saltin', saltin' bread.I loves saltin', saltin' bread.You loves biscuit, butter, an' fat?I can dance Shiloh better 'an dat.Does you turn 'round an' shake yō' head?—Well; I loves saltin', saltin' bread.I loves saltin', saltin' bread.I loves saltin', saltin' bread.W'en you ax yō' mammy fer butter an' bread,She don't give nothin' but a stick across yō' head.On cracklin's, you say, you wants to git fed?Well, I loves saltin', saltin' bread.
I loves saltin', saltin' bread.I loves saltin', saltin' bread.Put on dat skillet, nev' mind de lead;Caze I'se gwineter cook dat saltin' bread;Yes, ever since my mammy's been dead,I'se been makin' an' cookin' dat saltin' bread.
I loves saltin', saltin' bread.I loves saltin', saltin' bread.You loves biscuit, butter, an' fat?I can dance Shiloh better 'an dat.Does you turn 'round an' shake yō' head?—Well; I loves saltin', saltin' bread.
I loves saltin', saltin' bread.I loves saltin', saltin' bread.W'en you ax yō' mammy fer butter an' bread,She don't give nothin' but a stick across yō' head.On cracklin's, you say, you wants to git fed?Well, I loves saltin', saltin' bread.