Boys, Put Yo’ Hands on ItO boys, put yo’ hands on it,O boys, put yo’ hands on it,When I say go, boys, go!O boys, put yo’ hands on it,O boys, when I holler set it on time,Everybody goes around.Say pick up, boys, pick up high,Goin’ line that track steel,O boys, pick it up high.Say, boys, when you get back here,Pick up that steel,Say, put your hands on it.Say, boys, put your hands on it,Everybody goin’ to jump at it.Set it in the bed, boys.Say, boys, raise your hand higher,Says, boys, raise your hand higher,Everybody goin’ to jump at it.
Boys, Put Yo’ Hands on It
O boys, put yo’ hands on it,O boys, put yo’ hands on it,When I say go, boys, go!O boys, put yo’ hands on it,O boys, when I holler set it on time,Everybody goes around.Say pick up, boys, pick up high,Goin’ line that track steel,O boys, pick it up high.Say, boys, when you get back here,Pick up that steel,Say, put your hands on it.Say, boys, put your hands on it,Everybody goin’ to jump at it.Set it in the bed, boys.Say, boys, raise your hand higher,Says, boys, raise your hand higher,Everybody goin’ to jump at it.
O boys, put yo’ hands on it,O boys, put yo’ hands on it,When I say go, boys, go!
O boys, put yo’ hands on it,
O boys, put yo’ hands on it,
When I say go, boys, go!
O boys, put yo’ hands on it,O boys, when I holler set it on time,Everybody goes around.
O boys, put yo’ hands on it,
O boys, when I holler set it on time,
Everybody goes around.
Say pick up, boys, pick up high,Goin’ line that track steel,O boys, pick it up high.
Say pick up, boys, pick up high,
Goin’ line that track steel,
O boys, pick it up high.
Say, boys, when you get back here,Pick up that steel,Say, put your hands on it.
Say, boys, when you get back here,
Pick up that steel,
Say, put your hands on it.
Say, boys, put your hands on it,Everybody goin’ to jump at it.Set it in the bed, boys.
Say, boys, put your hands on it,
Everybody goin’ to jump at it.
Set it in the bed, boys.
Say, boys, raise your hand higher,Says, boys, raise your hand higher,Everybody goin’ to jump at it.
Say, boys, raise your hand higher,
Says, boys, raise your hand higher,
Everybody goin’ to jump at it.
Never Turn Back[48]No mo’, oh, no mo’!No mo’, oh, never no mo’!My LordBe here.I will neverTurn back,Never turn backNo mo’, no mo’.If you get thereBefo’ I do,Oh, you can tell ’emI’m comin’ too.I will never turn back,Never turn back no mo’.An’ I would never turn back,Never turn back no mo’.Jesus my allTo heaven is gone,An’ whom may I fixMy hopes upon?No mo’, no mo’,No mo’, never, my Lawd,I would never turn back,Never turn back no mo’.
Never Turn Back[48]
No mo’, oh, no mo’!No mo’, oh, never no mo’!My LordBe here.I will neverTurn back,Never turn backNo mo’, no mo’.If you get thereBefo’ I do,Oh, you can tell ’emI’m comin’ too.I will never turn back,Never turn back no mo’.An’ I would never turn back,Never turn back no mo’.Jesus my allTo heaven is gone,An’ whom may I fixMy hopes upon?No mo’, no mo’,No mo’, never, my Lawd,I would never turn back,Never turn back no mo’.
No mo’, oh, no mo’!No mo’, oh, never no mo’!My LordBe here.
No mo’, oh, no mo’!
No mo’, oh, never no mo’!
My Lord
Be here.
I will neverTurn back,Never turn backNo mo’, no mo’.
I will never
Turn back,
Never turn back
No mo’, no mo’.
If you get thereBefo’ I do,Oh, you can tell ’emI’m comin’ too.
If you get there
Befo’ I do,
Oh, you can tell ’em
I’m comin’ too.
I will never turn back,Never turn back no mo’.An’ I would never turn back,Never turn back no mo’.
I will never turn back,
Never turn back no mo’.
An’ I would never turn back,
Never turn back no mo’.
Jesus my allTo heaven is gone,An’ whom may I fixMy hopes upon?
Jesus my all
To heaven is gone,
An’ whom may I fix
My hopes upon?
No mo’, no mo’,No mo’, never, my Lawd,I would never turn back,Never turn back no mo’.
No mo’, no mo’,
No mo’, never, my Lawd,
I would never turn back,
Never turn back no mo’.
[48]Here a spiritual theme is used as a gang song.
[48]Here a spiritual theme is used as a gang song.
No MoreNo—more,No—more,No—more,O—Lord.O—Lord,O—Lord,O—Lord,No—more,I’m—through,I’m—through,I’m—through,O—Lord.O—Lord,O—Lord,O—Lord,I’m—through.I’m—tired,I’m—tired,I’m—tired,O—Lord.O—Lord,O—Lord,O—Lord,I’m—tired.I’m—goin’,I’m—goin’,I’m—goin’,O—Lord.O—Lord,O—Lord,Yes, O—Lord,I’m—tired.
No More
No—more,No—more,No—more,O—Lord.O—Lord,O—Lord,O—Lord,No—more,I’m—through,I’m—through,I’m—through,O—Lord.O—Lord,O—Lord,O—Lord,I’m—through.I’m—tired,I’m—tired,I’m—tired,O—Lord.O—Lord,O—Lord,O—Lord,I’m—tired.I’m—goin’,I’m—goin’,I’m—goin’,O—Lord.O—Lord,O—Lord,Yes, O—Lord,I’m—tired.
No—more,No—more,No—more,O—Lord.
No—more,
No—more,
No—more,
O—Lord.
O—Lord,O—Lord,O—Lord,No—more,
O—Lord,
O—Lord,
O—Lord,
No—more,
I’m—through,I’m—through,I’m—through,O—Lord.
I’m—through,
I’m—through,
I’m—through,
O—Lord.
O—Lord,O—Lord,O—Lord,I’m—through.
O—Lord,
O—Lord,
O—Lord,
I’m—through.
I’m—tired,I’m—tired,I’m—tired,O—Lord.
I’m—tired,
I’m—tired,
I’m—tired,
O—Lord.
O—Lord,O—Lord,O—Lord,I’m—tired.
O—Lord,
O—Lord,
O—Lord,
I’m—tired.
I’m—goin’,I’m—goin’,I’m—goin’,O—Lord.
I’m—goin’,
I’m—goin’,
I’m—goin’,
O—Lord.
O—Lord,O—Lord,Yes, O—Lord,I’m—tired.
O—Lord,
O—Lord,
Yes, O—Lord,
I’m—tired.
All RightAll—right,O—Lord,All—right,Push—on.All—right,O—Lord,Let’s—go,Little—mo’.All—right,O—Lord,Get—it—over,Let’s—go.All—right,O—Lord,Get—around—it—boys,Let’s—go.All—right—boys,Pick—it—up,Gang—around—it,Let’s—go.
All Right
All—right,O—Lord,All—right,Push—on.All—right,O—Lord,Let’s—go,Little—mo’.All—right,O—Lord,Get—it—over,Let’s—go.All—right,O—Lord,Get—around—it—boys,Let’s—go.All—right—boys,Pick—it—up,Gang—around—it,Let’s—go.
All—right,O—Lord,All—right,Push—on.
All—right,
O—Lord,
All—right,
Push—on.
All—right,O—Lord,Let’s—go,Little—mo’.
All—right,
O—Lord,
Let’s—go,
Little—mo’.
All—right,O—Lord,Get—it—over,Let’s—go.
All—right,
O—Lord,
Get—it—over,
Let’s—go.
All—right,O—Lord,Get—around—it—boys,Let’s—go.
All—right,
O—Lord,
Get—around—it—boys,
Let’s—go.
All—right—boys,Pick—it—up,Gang—around—it,Let’s—go.
All—right—boys,
Pick—it—up,
Gang—around—it,
Let’s—go.
Help Me Drive ’Em[49]O King’s Mountain,O King’s Mountain,O King’s Mountain,So high!O run here, buddy,O run here, buddy,O run here, buddy,O boy!O help me drive ’em,O help me drive ’em,O help me drive ’em,All day!
Help Me Drive ’Em[49]
O King’s Mountain,O King’s Mountain,O King’s Mountain,So high!O run here, buddy,O run here, buddy,O run here, buddy,O boy!O help me drive ’em,O help me drive ’em,O help me drive ’em,All day!
O King’s Mountain,O King’s Mountain,O King’s Mountain,So high!
O King’s Mountain,
O King’s Mountain,
O King’s Mountain,
So high!
O run here, buddy,O run here, buddy,O run here, buddy,O boy!
O run here, buddy,
O run here, buddy,
O run here, buddy,
O boy!
O help me drive ’em,O help me drive ’em,O help me drive ’em,All day!
O help me drive ’em,
O help me drive ’em,
O help me drive ’em,
All day!
[49]This is an example of a steel-driving song. As the driver raises his hammer he sings a line, then stops singing for a moment, brings the hammer down with a grunt, then sings another line, and so on. The technique is the same as the digging technique described in some detail inChapter XIV.
[49]This is an example of a steel-driving song. As the driver raises his hammer he sings a line, then stops singing for a moment, brings the hammer down with a grunt, then sings another line, and so on. The technique is the same as the digging technique described in some detail inChapter XIV.
I Belong to Steel-drivin’ CrewO shake ’em up, buddy,An’ I’ll drive ’em down;O shake ’em up, buddy,An’ I’ll drive ’em down;I belong to steel-drivin’ crew,Lawd, I belong to steel-drivin’ crew.O lovin’ buddy,Where you been so long?O lovin’ buddy,Where you been so long?I belong to steel-drivin’ crew,Lawd, I belong to steel-drivin’ crew.
I Belong to Steel-drivin’ Crew
O shake ’em up, buddy,An’ I’ll drive ’em down;O shake ’em up, buddy,An’ I’ll drive ’em down;I belong to steel-drivin’ crew,Lawd, I belong to steel-drivin’ crew.O lovin’ buddy,Where you been so long?O lovin’ buddy,Where you been so long?I belong to steel-drivin’ crew,Lawd, I belong to steel-drivin’ crew.
O shake ’em up, buddy,An’ I’ll drive ’em down;O shake ’em up, buddy,An’ I’ll drive ’em down;I belong to steel-drivin’ crew,Lawd, I belong to steel-drivin’ crew.
O shake ’em up, buddy,
An’ I’ll drive ’em down;
O shake ’em up, buddy,
An’ I’ll drive ’em down;
I belong to steel-drivin’ crew,
Lawd, I belong to steel-drivin’ crew.
O lovin’ buddy,Where you been so long?O lovin’ buddy,Where you been so long?I belong to steel-drivin’ crew,Lawd, I belong to steel-drivin’ crew.
O lovin’ buddy,
Where you been so long?
O lovin’ buddy,
Where you been so long?
I belong to steel-drivin’ crew,
Lawd, I belong to steel-drivin’ crew.
O Buckeye RabbitThe rabbit run, the rabbit jumped,The rabbit skipped the river.O buckeye rabbit, hey, hey!O buckeye rabbit, Susan!O buckeye rabbit, hey, hey!The rabbit skipped the river!
O Buckeye Rabbit
The rabbit run, the rabbit jumped,The rabbit skipped the river.O buckeye rabbit, hey, hey!O buckeye rabbit, Susan!O buckeye rabbit, hey, hey!The rabbit skipped the river!
The rabbit run, the rabbit jumped,The rabbit skipped the river.O buckeye rabbit, hey, hey!O buckeye rabbit, Susan!O buckeye rabbit, hey, hey!The rabbit skipped the river!
The rabbit run, the rabbit jumped,
The rabbit skipped the river.
O buckeye rabbit, hey, hey!
O buckeye rabbit, Susan!
O buckeye rabbit, hey, hey!
The rabbit skipped the river!
U—h, U—h, Lawdy[50]U—h, u—h, Lawdy,I wonder whyI got to liveFer de by an’ de by.U—h, u—h, Lawdy,Don’t you bother me.I’m always mighty happyWhen I’m on a spree.U—h, u—h, Lawdy,U—h, u—h, Lawdy,U—h, u—h, Lawdy,U—h, Lawdy, u—h, Lawdy, po’ me!
U—h, U—h, Lawdy[50]
U—h, u—h, Lawdy,I wonder whyI got to liveFer de by an’ de by.U—h, u—h, Lawdy,Don’t you bother me.I’m always mighty happyWhen I’m on a spree.U—h, u—h, Lawdy,U—h, u—h, Lawdy,U—h, u—h, Lawdy,U—h, Lawdy, u—h, Lawdy, po’ me!
U—h, u—h, Lawdy,I wonder whyI got to liveFer de by an’ de by.
U—h, u—h, Lawdy,
I wonder why
I got to live
Fer de by an’ de by.
U—h, u—h, Lawdy,Don’t you bother me.I’m always mighty happyWhen I’m on a spree.
U—h, u—h, Lawdy,
Don’t you bother me.
I’m always mighty happy
When I’m on a spree.
U—h, u—h, Lawdy,U—h, u—h, Lawdy,U—h, u—h, Lawdy,U—h, Lawdy, u—h, Lawdy, po’ me!
U—h, u—h, Lawdy,
U—h, u—h, Lawdy,
U—h, u—h, Lawdy,
U—h, Lawdy, u—h, Lawdy, po’ me!
[50]This is an example of a pick song, although it could be used, of course, for almost any kind of rhythmic work. For a description of the singing-digging technique seeChapter XIV.
[50]This is an example of a pick song, although it could be used, of course, for almost any kind of rhythmic work. For a description of the singing-digging technique seeChapter XIV.
This Ol’ HammerThis ol’ hammer, hammerMus’ be loaded;This ol’ hammer, hammerMus’ be loaded;This ole’ hammer, hammerMus’ be loaded;Do bear down,Do bear down.Bitin’ spider, where didYou leave Trottin’ Sallie?Bitin’ spider, where didYou leave Trottin’ Sallie?Bitin’ spider, where didYou leave Trottin’ Sallie?In Birmingham, O Lawd,In Birmingham.
This Ol’ Hammer
This ol’ hammer, hammerMus’ be loaded;This ol’ hammer, hammerMus’ be loaded;This ole’ hammer, hammerMus’ be loaded;Do bear down,Do bear down.Bitin’ spider, where didYou leave Trottin’ Sallie?Bitin’ spider, where didYou leave Trottin’ Sallie?Bitin’ spider, where didYou leave Trottin’ Sallie?In Birmingham, O Lawd,In Birmingham.
This ol’ hammer, hammerMus’ be loaded;This ol’ hammer, hammerMus’ be loaded;This ole’ hammer, hammerMus’ be loaded;Do bear down,Do bear down.
This ol’ hammer, hammer
Mus’ be loaded;
This ol’ hammer, hammer
Mus’ be loaded;
This ole’ hammer, hammer
Mus’ be loaded;
Do bear down,
Do bear down.
Bitin’ spider, where didYou leave Trottin’ Sallie?Bitin’ spider, where didYou leave Trottin’ Sallie?Bitin’ spider, where didYou leave Trottin’ Sallie?In Birmingham, O Lawd,In Birmingham.
Bitin’ spider, where did
You leave Trottin’ Sallie?
Bitin’ spider, where did
You leave Trottin’ Sallie?
Bitin’ spider, where did
You leave Trottin’ Sallie?
In Birmingham, O Lawd,
In Birmingham.
We Are Clambin’ Jacob’s Ladder[51]Get ’em over yonder,Get ’em long,Get ’em short.Lord, get ’em over yonder,Get ’em over yonder.We are clambin’, clambin’Jacob’s ladder,Jacob’s ladder.Oh, we are clambin’ Jacob’s ladder,Almos’ home, yes, almos’ home.Every little roun’ getsHigher and higher,Higher and higher.Every little roun’ gets higher and higher,Almos’ home, home, almos’ home.
We Are Clambin’ Jacob’s Ladder[51]
Get ’em over yonder,Get ’em long,Get ’em short.Lord, get ’em over yonder,Get ’em over yonder.We are clambin’, clambin’Jacob’s ladder,Jacob’s ladder.Oh, we are clambin’ Jacob’s ladder,Almos’ home, yes, almos’ home.Every little roun’ getsHigher and higher,Higher and higher.Every little roun’ gets higher and higher,Almos’ home, home, almos’ home.
Get ’em over yonder,Get ’em long,Get ’em short.Lord, get ’em over yonder,Get ’em over yonder.
Get ’em over yonder,
Get ’em long,
Get ’em short.
Lord, get ’em over yonder,
Get ’em over yonder.
We are clambin’, clambin’Jacob’s ladder,Jacob’s ladder.Oh, we are clambin’ Jacob’s ladder,Almos’ home, yes, almos’ home.
We are clambin’, clambin’
Jacob’s ladder,
Jacob’s ladder.
Oh, we are clambin’ Jacob’s ladder,
Almos’ home, yes, almos’ home.
Every little roun’ getsHigher and higher,Higher and higher.Every little roun’ gets higher and higher,Almos’ home, home, almos’ home.
Every little roun’ gets
Higher and higher,
Higher and higher.
Every little roun’ gets higher and higher,
Almos’ home, home, almos’ home.
[51]Here a theme from a spiritual is made to do service as a pick song.
[51]Here a theme from a spiritual is made to do service as a pick song.
Reason I Stay on Job So Long[52]Reason I stay on job so long,Lawd, dey gimme flamdoniesAn’ coffee strong.Reason I love my captain so,’Cause I ast him for a dollah,Lawd, he give me fo’.Reason why I love Boleen,She keeps my houseAn’ shanty clean.Why I like Roberta so,She rolls her jellyLike she do her dough.
Reason I Stay on Job So Long[52]
Reason I stay on job so long,Lawd, dey gimme flamdoniesAn’ coffee strong.Reason I love my captain so,’Cause I ast him for a dollah,Lawd, he give me fo’.Reason why I love Boleen,She keeps my houseAn’ shanty clean.Why I like Roberta so,She rolls her jellyLike she do her dough.
Reason I stay on job so long,Lawd, dey gimme flamdoniesAn’ coffee strong.
Reason I stay on job so long,
Lawd, dey gimme flamdonies
An’ coffee strong.
Reason I love my captain so,’Cause I ast him for a dollah,Lawd, he give me fo’.
Reason I love my captain so,
’Cause I ast him for a dollah,
Lawd, he give me fo’.
Reason why I love Boleen,She keeps my houseAn’ shanty clean.
Reason why I love Boleen,
She keeps my house
An’ shanty clean.
Why I like Roberta so,She rolls her jellyLike she do her dough.
Why I like Roberta so,
She rolls her jelly
Like she do her dough.
[52]For music seeChapter XIV.
[52]For music seeChapter XIV.
Hot Flambotia an’ Coffee StrongReason I stay on job so long,Oh, reason I stay on job so long,O Lawd, reason I stay on job so long:Hot flambotia an’ coffee strong.Hot flambotia an’ coffee strong,Yes, Lawd, hot flambotia an’ coffee strong.O Lawd, hot flambotia an’ coffee strong,Reason I stay on job so long.
Hot Flambotia an’ Coffee Strong
Reason I stay on job so long,Oh, reason I stay on job so long,O Lawd, reason I stay on job so long:Hot flambotia an’ coffee strong.Hot flambotia an’ coffee strong,Yes, Lawd, hot flambotia an’ coffee strong.O Lawd, hot flambotia an’ coffee strong,Reason I stay on job so long.
Reason I stay on job so long,Oh, reason I stay on job so long,O Lawd, reason I stay on job so long:Hot flambotia an’ coffee strong.
Reason I stay on job so long,
Oh, reason I stay on job so long,
O Lawd, reason I stay on job so long:
Hot flambotia an’ coffee strong.
Hot flambotia an’ coffee strong,Yes, Lawd, hot flambotia an’ coffee strong.O Lawd, hot flambotia an’ coffee strong,Reason I stay on job so long.
Hot flambotia an’ coffee strong,
Yes, Lawd, hot flambotia an’ coffee strong.
O Lawd, hot flambotia an’ coffee strong,
Reason I stay on job so long.
I’m Goin’ On[53]I’m gonna row here,I’m gonna row here,I’m gonna row here few days longer,Then, Lawd, I’m goin’ on.Oh, I’m gonna row here,Lawd, I’m gonna row here,Yes, Lawd, I’m gonna row here few days longer,Then I’m goin’ on.Yes, Lawd, I’m goin’ on,Then, Lawd, I’m goin’ on,Yes, Lawd, I’m gonna row here few days longer,Then I’m goin’ on.
I’m Goin’ On[53]
I’m gonna row here,I’m gonna row here,I’m gonna row here few days longer,Then, Lawd, I’m goin’ on.Oh, I’m gonna row here,Lawd, I’m gonna row here,Yes, Lawd, I’m gonna row here few days longer,Then I’m goin’ on.Yes, Lawd, I’m goin’ on,Then, Lawd, I’m goin’ on,Yes, Lawd, I’m gonna row here few days longer,Then I’m goin’ on.
I’m gonna row here,I’m gonna row here,I’m gonna row here few days longer,Then, Lawd, I’m goin’ on.
I’m gonna row here,
I’m gonna row here,
I’m gonna row here few days longer,
Then, Lawd, I’m goin’ on.
Oh, I’m gonna row here,Lawd, I’m gonna row here,Yes, Lawd, I’m gonna row here few days longer,Then I’m goin’ on.
Oh, I’m gonna row here,
Lawd, I’m gonna row here,
Yes, Lawd, I’m gonna row here few days longer,
Then I’m goin’ on.
Yes, Lawd, I’m goin’ on,Then, Lawd, I’m goin’ on,Yes, Lawd, I’m gonna row here few days longer,Then I’m goin’ on.
Yes, Lawd, I’m goin’ on,
Then, Lawd, I’m goin’ on,
Yes, Lawd, I’m gonna row here few days longer,
Then I’m goin’ on.
[53]This song has been heard also as “I’m on road here few days longer” and “I’m gonna roll here few days longer.” “Row” may well be a corruption of “road” or “roll.”
[53]This song has been heard also as “I’m on road here few days longer” and “I’m gonna roll here few days longer.” “Row” may well be a corruption of “road” or “roll.”
I Don’t Want No Trouble With de Walker[54]I don’t want no,Want no trouble with de walker.I don’t want no,Want no trouble with de walker.I wanta go home,Lawd, Lawd, I wanta go home.Oh, me an’ my buddyJes’ came here this mornin’.Wanta go home,Lawd, Lawd, wanta go home.I can drive it,Drive it long as anybody.Wanta go home,Lawd, Lawd, wanta go home.Cap’n, did you hear about,Hear about two your womens gonna leave you?Wanta go home,Lawd, Lawd, wanta go home.I’m gonna roll here,[55]Roll here a few days longer.I’m goin’ home,Lawd, Lawd, I’m goin’ home.Cap’n an’ walker,Walker been raisin’ san’.Cap’n told walkerHe could git ’im another man.Lawd, dey got my buddy,Buddy an’ his forty-fo!Next ’lect’ocutionDey’ll git him sho’.
I Don’t Want No Trouble With de Walker[54]
I don’t want no,Want no trouble with de walker.I don’t want no,Want no trouble with de walker.I wanta go home,Lawd, Lawd, I wanta go home.Oh, me an’ my buddyJes’ came here this mornin’.Wanta go home,Lawd, Lawd, wanta go home.I can drive it,Drive it long as anybody.Wanta go home,Lawd, Lawd, wanta go home.Cap’n, did you hear about,Hear about two your womens gonna leave you?Wanta go home,Lawd, Lawd, wanta go home.I’m gonna roll here,[55]Roll here a few days longer.I’m goin’ home,Lawd, Lawd, I’m goin’ home.Cap’n an’ walker,Walker been raisin’ san’.Cap’n told walkerHe could git ’im another man.Lawd, dey got my buddy,Buddy an’ his forty-fo!Next ’lect’ocutionDey’ll git him sho’.
I don’t want no,Want no trouble with de walker.I don’t want no,Want no trouble with de walker.I wanta go home,Lawd, Lawd, I wanta go home.
I don’t want no,
Want no trouble with de walker.
I don’t want no,
Want no trouble with de walker.
I wanta go home,
Lawd, Lawd, I wanta go home.
Oh, me an’ my buddyJes’ came here this mornin’.Wanta go home,Lawd, Lawd, wanta go home.
Oh, me an’ my buddy
Jes’ came here this mornin’.
Wanta go home,
Lawd, Lawd, wanta go home.
I can drive it,Drive it long as anybody.Wanta go home,Lawd, Lawd, wanta go home.
I can drive it,
Drive it long as anybody.
Wanta go home,
Lawd, Lawd, wanta go home.
Cap’n, did you hear about,Hear about two your womens gonna leave you?Wanta go home,Lawd, Lawd, wanta go home.
Cap’n, did you hear about,
Hear about two your womens gonna leave you?
Wanta go home,
Lawd, Lawd, wanta go home.
I’m gonna roll here,[55]Roll here a few days longer.I’m goin’ home,Lawd, Lawd, I’m goin’ home.
I’m gonna roll here,[55]
Roll here a few days longer.
I’m goin’ home,
Lawd, Lawd, I’m goin’ home.
Cap’n an’ walker,Walker been raisin’ san’.Cap’n told walkerHe could git ’im another man.
Cap’n an’ walker,
Walker been raisin’ san’.
Cap’n told walker
He could git ’im another man.
Lawd, dey got my buddy,Buddy an’ his forty-fo!Next ’lect’ocutionDey’ll git him sho’.
Lawd, dey got my buddy,
Buddy an’ his forty-fo!
Next ’lect’ocution
Dey’ll git him sho’.
[54]This is a pick song commonly heard around Chapel Hill, N. C. The “walker” refers to the walking boss or overseer on the job. The first two lines of each stanza are repeated as shown in the first stanza. For music seeChapter XIV.[55]Seefootnote, p. 112.
[54]This is a pick song commonly heard around Chapel Hill, N. C. The “walker” refers to the walking boss or overseer on the job. The first two lines of each stanza are repeated as shown in the first stanza. For music seeChapter XIV.
[55]Seefootnote, p. 112.
I Don’t Want No Cornbread[56]I don’t want no,[57]Want no cornbread, peas, an’ molasses;I don’t want no,Want no cornbread, peas, an’ molasses,At supper time,Lawd, Lawd, at supper time.Oh, hand me down aCan o’ corn an’ tomatoes,For my meal,Lawd, Lawd, for my meal.My little woman,She don’t treat me like she used to.No she don’t,Lawd, Lawd, no she don’t.She used to feed me,Feed me on biscuits an’ butterFor my meal,Lawd, Lawd, for my meal.She used to give me,Give me lots o’ huggin’ every mornin’.Now she don’t,Lawd, Lawd, now she don’t.
I Don’t Want No Cornbread[56]
I don’t want no,[57]Want no cornbread, peas, an’ molasses;I don’t want no,Want no cornbread, peas, an’ molasses,At supper time,Lawd, Lawd, at supper time.Oh, hand me down aCan o’ corn an’ tomatoes,For my meal,Lawd, Lawd, for my meal.My little woman,She don’t treat me like she used to.No she don’t,Lawd, Lawd, no she don’t.She used to feed me,Feed me on biscuits an’ butterFor my meal,Lawd, Lawd, for my meal.She used to give me,Give me lots o’ huggin’ every mornin’.Now she don’t,Lawd, Lawd, now she don’t.
I don’t want no,[57]Want no cornbread, peas, an’ molasses;I don’t want no,Want no cornbread, peas, an’ molasses,At supper time,Lawd, Lawd, at supper time.
I don’t want no,[57]
Want no cornbread, peas, an’ molasses;
I don’t want no,
Want no cornbread, peas, an’ molasses,
At supper time,
Lawd, Lawd, at supper time.
Oh, hand me down aCan o’ corn an’ tomatoes,For my meal,Lawd, Lawd, for my meal.
Oh, hand me down a
Can o’ corn an’ tomatoes,
For my meal,
Lawd, Lawd, for my meal.
My little woman,She don’t treat me like she used to.No she don’t,Lawd, Lawd, no she don’t.
My little woman,
She don’t treat me like she used to.
No she don’t,
Lawd, Lawd, no she don’t.
She used to feed me,Feed me on biscuits an’ butterFor my meal,Lawd, Lawd, for my meal.
She used to feed me,
Feed me on biscuits an’ butter
For my meal,
Lawd, Lawd, for my meal.
She used to give me,Give me lots o’ huggin’ every mornin’.Now she don’t,Lawd, Lawd, now she don’t.
She used to give me,
Give me lots o’ huggin’ every mornin’.
Now she don’t,
Lawd, Lawd, now she don’t.
[56]This is sung to the same tune as the preceding song,I Don’t Want No Trouble With the Walker, the music of which is given inChapter XIV.[57]All of the stanzas have this form, first two lines always repeated.
[56]This is sung to the same tune as the preceding song,I Don’t Want No Trouble With the Walker, the music of which is given inChapter XIV.
[57]All of the stanzas have this form, first two lines always repeated.
Turning from the songs of construction or railroad gangs, some of the mixed songs, partly remnants of former years, partly products of sophistication, may be cited. There are many songs about the white man and the captain, excellent samples of which have already been cited in this chapter. Some were given inThe Negro and His Songsand many more are to be found. Indeed, songs about the white man may well constitute a separate chapter in a later volume. A stock joke among the older Negroes used to be that of telling how the white man always brought “nigger out behind.” The modern singer, albeit not always in joking mood, still thrusts “at” his “captain” or “boss” or “white man.” “Captain,” he sings, “you look mo’ lak farmer than railroad man,” and with considerable glee asks, “Captain, captain, where’d you come frum?” On the other hand, reminiscent of farm days and echoing current life, he still sings:
Niggers plant the cotton,Niggers pick it out,White man pockets money,Niggers does without.
Niggers plant the cotton,Niggers pick it out,White man pockets money,Niggers does without.
Niggers plant the cotton,Niggers pick it out,White man pockets money,Niggers does without.
Niggers plant the cotton,
Niggers pick it out,
White man pockets money,
Niggers does without.
In another song the Negro complained that no matter if he worked all the time, “Boss sho’ bring nigger out behin’.” So now in some Georgia scenes he sings:
Nothin’ to KeepUp at fo’ ’clock,Work till dark,Wages han,’I’m de man.Twelve a month an’ boa’d,Lawd, twelve a month an’ boa’d.Hope I die,Mo’ I try,I comes outOwin’ boss mo’,I comes out,Lawd, owin’ boss mo’.Plenty to eat,Place to sleep,All night to stray about;But nothin’ fer a feller,Lawd, nothin’ ferA feller to keep.
Nothin’ to Keep
Up at fo’ ’clock,Work till dark,Wages han,’I’m de man.Twelve a month an’ boa’d,Lawd, twelve a month an’ boa’d.Hope I die,Mo’ I try,I comes outOwin’ boss mo’,I comes out,Lawd, owin’ boss mo’.Plenty to eat,Place to sleep,All night to stray about;But nothin’ fer a feller,Lawd, nothin’ ferA feller to keep.
Up at fo’ ’clock,Work till dark,Wages han,’I’m de man.Twelve a month an’ boa’d,Lawd, twelve a month an’ boa’d.
Up at fo’ ’clock,
Work till dark,
Wages han,’
I’m de man.
Twelve a month an’ boa’d,
Lawd, twelve a month an’ boa’d.
Hope I die,Mo’ I try,I comes outOwin’ boss mo’,I comes out,Lawd, owin’ boss mo’.
Hope I die,
Mo’ I try,
I comes out
Owin’ boss mo’,
I comes out,
Lawd, owin’ boss mo’.
Plenty to eat,Place to sleep,All night to stray about;But nothin’ fer a feller,Lawd, nothin’ ferA feller to keep.
Plenty to eat,
Place to sleep,
All night to stray about;
But nothin’ fer a feller,
Lawd, nothin’ fer
A feller to keep.
Everybody Call Me the Wages ManEarly in the spring I’m plowin’ my lan’,Early in the spring I’m plowin’ my lan’,Early in the spring I’m plowin’ my lan’,Everybody calls me the wages man,Baby, baby.Next down de row with guano horn,Next down de row with guano horn,Next down de row with guano horn,Never work so hard since I’ve been born,Baby, baby.Little bit later I swings de hoe,Little bit later I swings de hoe,Little bit later I swings de hoe,I’se de nigger dat leads de row,Baby, baby, baby.Sack an’ basket all that I pick,Sack an’ basket all that I pick,Sack an’ basket all that I pick,Never stop for nothin’, even if you sick,Baby, baby.White man in starched shirt settin’ in shade,White man in starched shirt settin’ in shade,White man in starched shirt settin’ in shade,Laziest man that God ever made,Baby, baby.
Everybody Call Me the Wages Man
Early in the spring I’m plowin’ my lan’,Early in the spring I’m plowin’ my lan’,Early in the spring I’m plowin’ my lan’,Everybody calls me the wages man,Baby, baby.Next down de row with guano horn,Next down de row with guano horn,Next down de row with guano horn,Never work so hard since I’ve been born,Baby, baby.Little bit later I swings de hoe,Little bit later I swings de hoe,Little bit later I swings de hoe,I’se de nigger dat leads de row,Baby, baby, baby.Sack an’ basket all that I pick,Sack an’ basket all that I pick,Sack an’ basket all that I pick,Never stop for nothin’, even if you sick,Baby, baby.White man in starched shirt settin’ in shade,White man in starched shirt settin’ in shade,White man in starched shirt settin’ in shade,Laziest man that God ever made,Baby, baby.
Early in the spring I’m plowin’ my lan’,Early in the spring I’m plowin’ my lan’,Early in the spring I’m plowin’ my lan’,Everybody calls me the wages man,Baby, baby.
Early in the spring I’m plowin’ my lan’,
Early in the spring I’m plowin’ my lan’,
Early in the spring I’m plowin’ my lan’,
Everybody calls me the wages man,
Baby, baby.
Next down de row with guano horn,Next down de row with guano horn,Next down de row with guano horn,Never work so hard since I’ve been born,Baby, baby.
Next down de row with guano horn,
Next down de row with guano horn,
Next down de row with guano horn,
Never work so hard since I’ve been born,
Baby, baby.
Little bit later I swings de hoe,Little bit later I swings de hoe,Little bit later I swings de hoe,I’se de nigger dat leads de row,Baby, baby, baby.
Little bit later I swings de hoe,
Little bit later I swings de hoe,
Little bit later I swings de hoe,
I’se de nigger dat leads de row,
Baby, baby, baby.
Sack an’ basket all that I pick,Sack an’ basket all that I pick,Sack an’ basket all that I pick,Never stop for nothin’, even if you sick,Baby, baby.
Sack an’ basket all that I pick,
Sack an’ basket all that I pick,
Sack an’ basket all that I pick,
Never stop for nothin’, even if you sick,
Baby, baby.
White man in starched shirt settin’ in shade,White man in starched shirt settin’ in shade,White man in starched shirt settin’ in shade,Laziest man that God ever made,Baby, baby.
White man in starched shirt settin’ in shade,
White man in starched shirt settin’ in shade,
White man in starched shirt settin’ in shade,
Laziest man that God ever made,
Baby, baby.
Missus in de Big HouseMissus in de big house,Mammy in de yard.Missus holdin’ her white hands,Mammy workin’ hard,Mammy workin’ hard,Mammy workin’ hard.Missus holdin’ her white hands,Mammy workin’ hard.Ol’ marse ridin’ all time,Niggers workin’ ’roun’.Marse sleepin’ day time,Niggers diggin’ in de groun’,Niggers diggin’ in de groun’,Niggers diggin’ in de groun’.Marse sleepin’ day time,Niggers diggin’ in de groun’.
Missus in de Big House
Missus in de big house,Mammy in de yard.Missus holdin’ her white hands,Mammy workin’ hard,Mammy workin’ hard,Mammy workin’ hard.Missus holdin’ her white hands,Mammy workin’ hard.Ol’ marse ridin’ all time,Niggers workin’ ’roun’.Marse sleepin’ day time,Niggers diggin’ in de groun’,Niggers diggin’ in de groun’,Niggers diggin’ in de groun’.Marse sleepin’ day time,Niggers diggin’ in de groun’.
Missus in de big house,Mammy in de yard.Missus holdin’ her white hands,Mammy workin’ hard,Mammy workin’ hard,Mammy workin’ hard.Missus holdin’ her white hands,Mammy workin’ hard.
Missus in de big house,
Mammy in de yard.
Missus holdin’ her white hands,
Mammy workin’ hard,
Mammy workin’ hard,
Mammy workin’ hard.
Missus holdin’ her white hands,
Mammy workin’ hard.
Ol’ marse ridin’ all time,Niggers workin’ ’roun’.Marse sleepin’ day time,Niggers diggin’ in de groun’,Niggers diggin’ in de groun’,Niggers diggin’ in de groun’.Marse sleepin’ day time,Niggers diggin’ in de groun’.
Ol’ marse ridin’ all time,
Niggers workin’ ’roun’.
Marse sleepin’ day time,
Niggers diggin’ in de groun’,
Niggers diggin’ in de groun’,
Niggers diggin’ in de groun’.
Marse sleepin’ day time,
Niggers diggin’ in de groun’.