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Transcriber's Note: Other than the minor corrections and changes listed at the end of this text, all spelling and punctuation is as it appeared in the original. Musical notations appearing in the original book have been replaced with [music]. Macrons and breves were used as pronunciation aids for vowels. They appear here as ā for macrons and ă for breves. The placement of footnote markers was irregular in the original—this has been retained.
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NEGRO FOLK RHYMES
[Publisher's Device]
THE MACMILLAN COMPANY NEW YORK . BOSTON . CHICAGO . DALLAS ATLANTA . SAN FRANCISCO
MACMILLAN & CO., Limited LONDON . BOMBAY . CALCUTTA MELBOURNE
THE MACMILLAN CO. OF CANADA, Ltd. TORONTO
NEGRO FOLK RHYMES Wise and Otherwise
WITH A STUDY
BY THOMAS W. TALLEY, OF FISK UNIVERSITY
[Decoration]
New York THE MACMILLAN COMPANY 1922
All rights reserved
PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Copyright, 1922, By THE MACMILLAN COMPANY. * * * Set up and printed. Published January, 1922.
Press of J. J. Little & Ives Company New York, U.S.A.
INTRODUCTION
Of the making of books by individual authors there is no end; but a cultivated literary taste among the exceptional few has rendered almost impossible the production of genuine folk-songs. The spectacle, therefore, of a homogeneous throng of partly civilized people dancing to the music of crude instruments and evolving out of dance-rhythm a lyrical or narrative utterance in poetic form is sufficiently rare in the nineteenth century to challenge immediate attention. In Negro Folk Rhymes is to be found no inconsiderable part of the musical and poetic life-records of a people; the compiler presents an arresting volume which, in addition to being a pioneer and practically unique in its field, is as nearly exhaustive as a sympathetic understanding of the Negro mind, careful research, and labor of love can make it. Professor Talley of Fisk University has spared himself no pains in collecting and piecing together every attainable scrap and fragment of secular rhyme which might help in adequately interpreting the inner life of his own people.
Being the expression of a race in, or just emerging from bondage, these songs may at first seem to some readers trivial and almost wholly devoid of literary merit. In phraseology they may appear crude, lacking in that elegance and finish ordinarily associated with poetic excellence; in imagery they are at times exceedingly winter-starved, mediocre, common, drab, scarcely ever rising above the unhappy environment of the singers. The outlook upon life and nature is, for the most part, one of imaginative simplicity and child-like naivete; superstitions crowd in upon a worldly wisdom that is elementary, practical, and obvious; and a warped and crooked human nature, developed and fostered by circumstances, shows frequently through the lines. What else might be expected? At the time when these rhymes were in process of being created the conditions under which the American Negro lived and labored were not calculated to inspire him with a desire for the highest artistic expression. Restricted, cramped, bound in unwilling servitude, he looked about him in his miserable little world to see whatever of the beautiful or happy he might find; that which he discovered is pathetically slight, but, such as it is, it served to keep alive his stunted artist-soul under the most adverse circumstances. He saw the sweet pinks under a blue sky, or observed the fading violets and the roses that fall, as he passed to a tryst under the oak trees of a forest, and wrought these things into his songs of love and tenderness. Friendless and otherwise without companionship he lived in imagination with the beasts and birds of the great out-of-doors; he knew personally Mr. Coon, Brother Rabbit, Mr. 'Possum and their associates of the wild; Judge Buzzard and Sister Turkey appealed to his fancy as offering material for what he supposed to be poetic treatment. Wherever he might find anything in his lowly position which seemed to him truly useful or beautiful, he seized upon it and wove about it the sweetest song he could sing. The result is not so much poetry of a high order as a valuable illustration of the persistence of artist-impulses even in slavery.
In some of these folk-songs, however, may be found certain qualities which give them dignity and worth. They are, when properly presented, rhythmical to the point of perfection. I myself have heard many of them chanted with and without the accompaniment of clapping hands, stamping feet, and swaying bodies. Unfortunately a large part of their liquid melody and flexibility of movement is lost through confinement in cold print; but when they are heard from a distance on quiet summer nights or clear Southern mornings, even the most fastidious ear is satisfied with the rhythmic pulse of them. That pathos of the Negro character which can never be quite adequately caught in words or transcribed in music is then augmented and intensified by the peculiar quality of the Negro voice, rich in overtones, quavering, weird, cadenced, throbbing with the sufferings of a race. Or perhaps that well-developed sense of humor which has, for more than a century, made ancestral sorrows bearable finds fuller expression in the lilting turn of a note than in the flashes of wit which abundantly enliven the pages of this volume. There is one lyric in particular which, in evident sincerity of feeling, simple and unaffected grace, and regularity of form, appeals to me as having intrinsic literary value:
She hug' me, an' she kiss' me, She wrung my han' an' cried. She said I wus de sweetes' thing Dat ever lived or died.
She hug' me an' she kiss' me. Oh Heaben! De touch o' her han'! She said I wus de puttiest thing In 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!"
There is also a dramatic quality about many of these rhymes which must not be overlooked. It has long been my observation that the Negro is possessed by nature of considerable, though not as yet highly developed, histrionic ability; he takes delight in acting out in pantomime whatever he may be relating in song or story. It is not surprising, then, to find that the play-rhymes, originating from the "call" and "response," are really little dramas when presented in their proper settings. "Caught By The Witch" would not be ineffective if, on a dark night, it were acted in the vicinity of a graveyard! And one ballad—if I may be permitted to dignify it by that name—called "Promises of Freedom" is characterized by an unadorned narrative style and a dramatic ending which are associated with the best English folk-ballads. The singer tells simply and, one feels, with a grim impersonality of how his mistress promised to set him free; it seemed as if she would never die—but "she's somehow gone"! His master likewise made promises,
Yes, my ole Mosser promise' me; But "his papers" didn't leave me free. A dose of pizen he'pped 'im along. May de Devil preach 'is fūner'l song.
The manner of this conclusion is strikingly like that of the Scottish ballad, "Edward,"
The curse of hell frae me sall ye beir, Mither, Mither, The curse of hell frae me sall ye beir, Sic counseils ye gave to me O.
In both a story of cruelty is suggested in a single artistic line and ended with startling, dramatic abruptness.
In fact, these two songs probably had their ultimate origin in not widely dissimilar types of illiterate, unsophisticated human society. Professor Talley's "Study in Negro Folk Rhymes," appended to this volume of songs, is illuminating. One may not be disposed to accept without considerable modification his theories entire; still his account from personal, first-hand knowledge of the beginnings and possible evolution of certain rhymes in this collection is apparently authentic. Here we have again, in the nineteenth century, the record of a singing, dancing people creating by a process approximating communal authorship a mass of verse embodying tribal memories, ancestral superstitions, and racial wisdom handed down from generation to generation through oral tradition. These are genuine folk-songs—lyrics, ballads, rhymes—in which are crystallized the thought and feeling, the universally shared lore of a folk. Recent theorizers on poetic origins who would insist upon individual as opposed to community authorship of certain types of song-narrative might do well to consider Professor Talley's characteristic study. And students of comparative literature who love to recreate the life of a tribe or nation from its song and story will discover in this collection a mine of interesting material.
Fisk University, the center of Negro culture in America, is to be congratulated upon having initiated the gathering and preservation of these relics, a valuable heritage from the past. Just how important for literature this heritage may prove to be will not appear until this institution—and others with like purposes—has fully developed by cultivation, training, and careful fostering the artistic impulses so abundantly a part of the Negro character. A race which has produced, under the most disheartening conditions, a mass of folk-poetry such as Negro Folk Rhymes may be expected to create with unlimited opportunities for self-development, a literature and a distinctive music of superior quality.
WALTER CLYDE CURRY.
Vanderbilt University, September 30, 1921.
PART I
NEGRO FOLK RHYMES
DANCE RHYME SECTION
JONAH'S BAND PARTY
Setch a kickin' up san'! Jonah's Ban'! Setch a kickin' up san'! Jonah's Ban'! "Han's up sixteen! Circle to de right! We's gwine to git big eatin's here to-night."
Setch a kickin' up san'! Jonah's Ban'! Setch a kickin' up san'! Jonah's Ban'! "Raise yo' right foot, kick it up high, Knock dat [1]Mobile Buck in de eye."
Setch a kickin' up san'! Jonah's Ban'! Setch a kickin' up san'! Jonah's Ban'! "Stan' up, flat foot, [1]Jump dem Bars! [1]Karo back'ards lak a train o' kyars."
Setch a kickin' up san'! Jonah's Ban'! Setch a kickin' up san'! Jonah's Ban'! "Dance 'round, Mistiss, show 'em de p'int; Dat Nigger don't know how to [1]Coonjaint."
[1] These are dance steps. For explanation read the Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.
LOVE IS JUST A THING OF FANCY
Love is jes a thing o' fancy, Beauty's jes a blossom; If you wants to git yō' finger bit, Stick it at a 'possum.
Beauty, it's jes skin deep; Ugly, it's to de bone. Beauty, it'll jes fade 'way; But Ugly'll hōl' 'er own.
STILL WATER CREEK
'Way down yon'er on Still Water Creek, I got stalded an' stayed a week. I see'd Injun Puddin and Punkin pie, But de black cat stick 'em in de yaller cat's eye.
'Way down yon'er on Still Water Creek, De Niggers grows up some ten or twelve feet. Dey goes to bed but dere hain't no use, Caze deir feet sticks out fer de chickens t' roost.
I got hongry on Still Water Creek, De mud to de hub an' de hoss britchin weak. I stewed bullfrog chitlins, baked polecat pie; If I goes back dar, I shō's gwine to die.
'POSSUM UP THE GUM STUMP
'Possum up de gum stump, Dat raccoon in de holler; Twis' 'im out, an' git 'im down, An' I'll gin you a half a doller.
'Possum up de gum stump, Yes, cooney in de holler; A pretty gal down my house Jes as fat as she can waller.
'Possum up de gum stump, His jaws is black an' dirty; To come an' kiss you, pretty gal, I'd run lak a gobbler tucky.
'Possum up de gum stump, A good man's hard to fīn'; You'd better love me, pretty gal, You'll git de yudder kīn'.
JOE AND MALINDA JANE
Ole Joe jes swore upon 'is life He'd make Merlindy Jane 'is wife. W'en she hear 'im up 'is love an' tell, She jumped in a bar'l o' mussel shell. She scrape 'er back till de skin come off. Nex' day she die wid de Whoopin' Cough.
WALK, TALK, CHICKEN WITH YOUR HEAD PECKED!
Walk, talk, chicken wid yō' head pecked! You can crow w'en youse been dead. Walk, talk, chicken wid yō' head pecked! You can hōl' high yō' bloody head.
You's whooped dat Blue Hen's Chicken, You's beat 'im at his game. If dere's some fedders on him, Fer dat you's not to blame.
Walk, talk, chicken wid yō' head pecked! You beat ole Johnny Blue! Walk, talk, chicken wid yō' head pecked! Say: "Cock-a-doo-dle-doo—!"
TAILS
De coon's got a long ringed bushy tail, De 'possum's tail is bare; Dat rabbit hain't got no tail 'tall, 'Cep' a liddle bunch o' hair.
De gobbler's got a big fan tail, De pattridge's tail is small; Dat peacock's tail 's got great big eyes, But dey don't see nothin' 'tall.
CAPTAIN DIME
Cappun Dime is a fine w'ite man. He wash his face in a fry'n' pan, He comb his head wid a waggin wheel, An' he die wid de toothache in his heel.
Cappun Dime is a mighty fine feller, An' he shō' play kyards wid de Niggers in de cellar, But he will git drunk, an' he won't smoke a pipe, Den he will pull de watermillions 'fore dey gits ripe.
CROSSING THE RIVER
I went down to de river an' I couldn' git 'cross. I jumped on er mule an' I thought 'e wus er hoss. Dat mule 'e wa'k in an' git mired up in de san'; You'd oughter see'd dis Nigger make back fer de lan'!
I want to cross de river but I caint git 'cross; So I mounted on a ram, fer I thought 'e wus er hoss. I plunged him in, but he sorter fail to swim; An' I give five dollars fer to git 'im out ag'in.
Yes, I went down to de river an' I couldn' git 'cross, So I give a whole dollar fer a ole blin' hoss; Den I souzed him in an' he sink 'stead o' swim. Do you know I got wet clean to my ole hat brim?
T-U-TURKEY
T-u, tucky, T-u, ti. T-u, tucky, buzzard's eye. T-u, tucky, T-u, ting. T-u, tucky, buzzard's wing. Oh, Mistah Washin'ton! Don't whoop me, Whoop dat Nigger Back 'hind dat tree. He stole tucky, I didn' steal none. Go wuk him in de co'n field jes fer fun.
CHICKEN IN THE BREAD TRAY
"Auntie, will yō' dog bite?"— "No, Chile! No!" Chicken in de bread tray A makin' up dough.
"Auntie, will yō' broom hit?"— "Yes, Chile!" Pop! Chicken in de bread tray; "Flop! Flop! Flop!"
"Auntie, will yō' oven bake?"— "Yes. Jes fry!"— "What's dat chicken good fer?"— "Pie! Pie! Pie!"
"Auntie, is yō' pie good?"— "Good as you could 'spec'." Chicken in de bread tray; "Peck! Peck! Peck!"
MOLLY COTTONTAIL, OR, GRAVEYARD RABBIT
Ole Molly Cottontail, At night, w'en de moon's pale; You don't fail to tu'n tail, You always gives me leg bail.[2]
Molly in de Bramble-brier, Let me git a little nigher; Prickly-pear, it sting lak fire! Do please come pick out de brier!
Molly in de pale moonlight, Yō' tail is shō a pretty white; You takes it fer 'way out'n sight. "Molly! Molly! Molly Bright!"
Ole Molly Cottontail, You sets up on a rotten rail! You tears through de graveyard! You makes dem ugly [3]hants wail.
Ole Molly Cottontail, Won't you be shore not to fail [4]To give me yō' right hīn' foot? My luck, it won't be fer sale.
[2] Leg bail = to run away.
[3] Hants = ghosts or spirits.
[4] This embraces the old superstition that carrying in one's pocket the right hind foot of a rabbit, which has habitually lived about a cemetery, brings good luck to its possessor.
JUBA[5]
Juba dis, an' Juba dat, Juba [6]skin dat Yaller Cat. Juba! Juba!
Juba jump an' Juba sing. Juba, [6]cut dat Pigeon's Wing. Juba! Juba!
Juba, kick off Juba's shoe. Juba, dance dat [6]Jubal Jew. Juba! Juba!
Juba, whirl dat foot about. Juba, blow dat candle out. Juba! Juba!
Juba circle, [6]Raise de Latch. Juba do dat [6]Long Dog Scratch. Juba! Juba!
[5] This peculiar kind of dance rhyme is explained in the Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.
[6] The expressions marked [6] are various kinds of dance steps.
ON TOP OF THE POT
Wild goose gallop an' gander trot; Walk about, Mistiss, on top o' de pot!
Hog jowl bilin', an' tunnup greens hot, Walk about, Billie, on top o' de pot!
Chitlins, hog years, all on de spot, Walk about, ladies, on top o' de pot!
STAND BACK, BLACK MAN[7]
Oh! Stan' back, black man, You cain't shine; Yō' lips is too thick, An' you hain't my kīn'.
Aw! Git 'way, black man, You jes haint fine; I'se done quit foolin' Wid de nappy-headed kind.
Say? Stan' back, black man! Cain't you see Dat a kinky-headed chap Hain't nothin' side o' me?
[7] In a few places in the South, just following the Civil War, the Mulattoes organized themselves into a little guild known as "The Blue Vein Circle," from which those who were black were excluded. This is one of their rhymes.
NEGROES NEVER DIE
Nigger! Nigger never die! He gits choked on Chicken pie. Black face, white shiny eye. Nigger! Nigger!
Nigger! Nigger never knows! Mashed nose, an' crooked toes; Dat's de way de Nigger goes. Nigger! Nigger!
Nigger! Nigger always sing; Jump up, cut de Pidgeon's wing; Whirl, an' give his feet a fling. Nigger! Nigger!
JAWBONE
Samson, shout! Samson, moan! Samson, bring on yō' Jawbone.
Jawbone, walk! Jawbone, talk! Jawbone, eat wid a knife an fo'k.
Walk, Jawbone! Jinny, come alon'! Yon'er goes Sally wid de bootees on.
Jawbone, ring! Jawbone, sing! Jawbone, kill dat wicked thing.
INDIAN FLEA
Injun flea, bit my knee; Kaze I wouldn' drink ginger tea.
Flea bite hard, flea bite quick; Flea bite burn lak dat seed tick.
Hit dat flea, flea not dere. I'se so mad I pulls my hair.
I go wild an' fall in de creek. To wash 'im off, I'd stay a week.
AS I WENT TO SHILOH
As I went down To Shiloh Town; I rolled my barrel of Sogrum down. Dem lasses rolled; An' de hoops, dey bust; An' blowed dis Nigger clear to Thundergust!
JUMP JIM CROW
Git fus upon yō' heel, An' den upon yō' toe; An ebry time you tu'n 'round, You jump Jim Crow.
Now fall upon yō' knees, Jump up an' bow low; An' ebry time you tu'n 'round, You jump Jim Crow.
Put yō' han's upon yō' hips, Bow low to yō' beau; An' ebry time you tu'n 'round, You jump Jim Crow.
DANCE RHYME SONG SECTION
[music]
JAYBIRD
De Jaybird jump from lim' to lim', An' he tell Br'er Rabbit to do lak him. Br'er Rabbit say to de cunnin' elf: "You jes want me to fall an' kill myself."
Dat Jaybird a-settin' on a swingin' lim'. He wink at me an' I wink at him. He laugh at me w'en my gun "crack." It kick me down on de flat o' my back.
Nex' day de Jaybird dance dat lim'. I grabs my gun fer to shoot at him. W'en I "crack" down, it split my chin. "Ole Aggie Cunjer" fly lak sin.
Way down yon'er at de risin' sun, Jaybird a-talkin' wid a forked tongue. [8]He's been down dar whar de bad mens dwell. "Ole Friday Devil," fare—you—well!
[8] A superstition. For explanation, see Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.
OFF FROM RICHMOND
I'se off from Richmon' sooner in de mornin'. I'se off from Richmon' befō' de break o' day. I slips off from Mosser widout pass an' warnin' Fer I mus' see my Donie wharever she may stay.
HE IS MY HORSE
One day as I wus a-ridin' by, Said dey: "Ole man, yō' hoss will die"— "If he dies, he is my loss; An' if he lives, he is my hoss."
Nex' day w'en I come a-ridin' by, Dey said: "Ole man, yō' hoss may die."— "If he dies, I'll tan 'is skin; An' if he lives, I'll ride 'im ag'in."
Den ag'in w'en I come a-ridin' by, Said dey: "Ole man, yō' hoss mought die."— "If he dies, I'll eat his co'n; An' if he lives, I'll ride 'im on."
JUDGE BUZZARD[9]
Dere sets Jedge Buzzard on de Bench. Go tu'n him off wid a monkey wrench! Jedge Buzzard try Br'er Rabbit's case; An' he say Br'er Tarepin win dat race. Here sets Jedge Buzzard on de Bench. Knock him off wid dat monkey wrench!
[9] See Study in Negro Rhymes for explanation.
SHEEP AND GOAT
Sheep an' goat gwine to de paster; Says de goat to de sheep: "Cain't you walk a liddle faster?"
De sheep says: "I cain't, I'se a liddle too full." Den de goat say: "You can wid my ho'ns in yō' wool."
But de goat fall down an' skin 'is shin An' de sheep split 'is lip wid a big broad grin.
JACKSON, PUT THAT KETTLE ON!
Jackson, put dat kittle on! Fire, steam dat coffee done! Day done broke, an' I got to run Fer to meet my gal by de risin' sun.
My ole Mosser say to me, Dat I mus' drink [10]sassfac tea; But Jackson stews dat coffee done, An' he shō' gits his po'tion: Son!
[10] Sassfac = sassafras.
DINAH'S DINNER HORN
It's a cōl', frosty mornin', An' de Niggers goes to wo'k; Wid deir axes on deir shoulders, An' widout a bit o' [11]shu't.
Dey's got ole husky ashcake, Widout a bit o' fat; An' de white folks'll grumble, If you eats much o' dat.
I runs down to de henhouse, An' I falls upon my knees; It's 'nough to make a rabbit laugh To hear my tucky sneeze.
I grows up on dem meatskins, I comes down on a bone; I hits dat co'n bread fifty licks, I makes dat butter moan.
It's glory in yō' honor! An' don't you want to go? I sholy will be ready Fer dat dinnah ho'n to blow.
Dat ole bell, it goes "Bangity—bang!" Fer all dem white folks bo'n. But I'se not ready fer to go Till Dinah blows her ho'n.
"Poke—sallid!" "Poke—sallid!" Dat ole ho'n up an' blow. Jes think about dem good ole greens! Say? Don't you want to go?
[11] Shu't = shirt.
MY MULE
Las' Saddy mornin' Mosser said: "Jump up now, Sambo, out'n bed. Go saddle dat mule, an' go to town; An' bring home Mistiss' mornin' gown."
I saddled dat mule to go to town. I mounted up an' he buck'd me down. Den I jumped up from out'n de dust, An' I rid him till I thought he'd bust.
BULLFROG PUT ON THE SOLDIER CLOTHES
Bullfrog put on de soldier clo's. He went down yonder fer to shoot at de crows; Wid a knife an' a fo'k between 'is toes, An' a white hankcher fer to wipe 'is nose.
Bullfrog put on de soldier clo's. He's a "dead shore shot," gwineter kill dem crows. He takes "Pot," an' "Skillet" from de Fiddler's Ball. Dey're to dance a liddle jig while Jim Crow fall.
Bullfrog put on de soldier clo's. He went down de river fer to shoot at de crows. De powder flash, an' de crows fly 'way; An' de Bullfrog shoot at 'em all nex' day.
SAIL AWAY, LADIES!
Sail away, ladies! Sail away! Sail away, ladies! Sail away! Nev' min' what dem white folks say, May de Mighty bless you. Sail away!
Nev' min' what yō' daddy say, Shake yō' liddle foot an' fly away. Nev' min' if yō' mammy say: "De Devil'll git you." Sail away!
THE BANJO PICKING
Hush boys! Hush boys! Don't make a noise, While ole Mosser's sleepin'. We'll run down de Graveyard, an' take out de bones, An' have a liddle Banjer pickin'.
I takes my Banjer on a Sunday mornin'. Dem ladies, dey 'vites me to come. We slips down de hill an' picks de liddle chune: "Walk, Tom Wilson Here Afternoon."
[12]"Walk Tom Wilson Here Afternoon"; "You Cain't Dance Lak ole Zipp Coon." Pick [12]"Dinah's Dinner Ho'n" "Dance 'Round de Room." "Sweep dat Kittle Wid a Bran' New Broom."
[12] Those marked [12] are found elsewhere in this volume. We were unable to obtain the other three.
OLD MOLLY HARE
Ole Molly har'! What's you doin' thar? "I'se settin' in de fence corner, smokin' seegyar."
Ole Molly har'! What's you doin' thar? "I'se pickin' out a br'or, settin' on a Pricky-p'ar."
Ole Molly har'! What's you doin' thar? "I'se gwine cross de Cotton Patch, hard as I can t'ar."
Molly har' to-day, So dey all say, Got her pipe o' clay, jes to smoke de time 'way.
"De dogs say 'boo!' An' dey barks too, I hain't got no time fer to talk to you."
ONE NEGRO TUNE USED WITH "AN OPOSSUM HUNT"
[music]
AN OPOSSUM HUNT
'Possum meat is good an' sweet, I always finds it good to eat. My dog tree, I went to see. A great big 'possum up dat tree. I retch up an' pull him in, Den dat ole 'possum 'gin to grin.
I tuck him home an' dressed him off, Dat night I laid him in de fros'. De way I cooked dat 'possum sound, I fust parboiled, den baked him brown. I put sweet taters in de pan, 'Twus de bigges' eatin' in de lan'.
DEVILISH PIGS
I wish I had a load o' poles, To fence my new-groun' lot; To keep dem liddle bitsy debblish pigs Frum a-rootin' up all I'se got.
Dey roots my cabbage, roots my co'n; Dey roots up all my beans. Dey speilt my fine sweet-tater patch, An' dey ruint my tunnup greens.
I'se rund dem pigs, an' I'se rund dem pigs. I'se gittin' mighty hot; An' one dese days w'en nobody look, Dey'll root 'round in my pot.
PROMISES OF FREEDOM
My ole Mistiss promise me, W'en she died, she'd set me free. She lived so long dat 'er head got bal', An' she give out'n de notion a dyin' at all.
My ole Mistiss say to me: "Sambo, I'se gwine ter set you free." But w'en dat head git slick an' bal', De Lawd couldn' a' killed 'er wid a big green maul.
My ole Mistiss never die, Wid 'er nose all hooked an' skin all dry. But my ole Miss, she's somehow gone, An' she lef' "Uncle Sambo" a-hillin' up co'n.
Ole Mosser lakwise promise me, W'en he died, he'd set me free. But ole Mosser go an' make his Will Fer to leave me a-plowin' ole Beck still.
Yes, my ole Mosser promise me; But "his papers" didn' leave me free. A dose of pizen he'ped 'im along. May de Devil preach 'is fūner'l song.
WHEN MY WIFE DIES
W'en my wife dies, gwineter git me anudder one; A big fat yaller one, jes lak de yudder one. I'll hate mighty bad, w'en she's been gone. Hain't no better 'oman never nowhars been bo'n.
W'en I comes to die, you mus'n' bury me deep, But put Sogrum molasses close by my feet. Put a pone o' co'n bread way down in my han'. Gwineter sop on de way to de Promus' Lan'.
W'en I goes to die, Nobody mus'n' cry, Mus'n' dress up in black, fer I mought come back. But w'en I'se been dead, an' almos' fergotten; You mought think about me an' keep on a-trottin'.
Railly, w'en I'se been dead, you needn' bury me at tall. You mought pickle my bones down in alkihall; Den fold my han's "so," right across my breas'; An' go an' tell de folks I'se done gone to "res'."
ONE TUNE USED WITH "BAA! BAA! BLACK SHEEP!"
[music]
BAA! BAA! BLACK SHEEP
"Baa! Baa! Black Sheep, Has you got wool?" "Yes, good Mosser, Free bags full. One fer ole Mistis, One fer Miss Dame, An' one fer de good Nigger Jes across de lane." Pōōr liddle Black Sheep, Pōōr liddle lammy; Pōōr liddle Black Sheep's Got no mammy.
HE WILL GET MR. COON
Ole Mistah Coon, at de break o' day, You needn' think youse gwineter git 'way. Caze ole man Ned, he know how to run, An' he's shō' gone fer to git 'is gun.
You needn' clam to dat highes' lim', You cain't git out'n de retch o' him. You can stay up dar till de sun done set. I'll bet you a dollar dat he'll git you yet.
Ole Mistah Coon, you'd well's to give up. You had well's to give up, I say. Caze ole man Ned is straight atter you, An' he'll git you shō' this day.
BRING ON YOUR HOT CORN
Bring along yō' hot co'n, Bring along yō' col' co'n; But I say bring along, Bring along yō' [13]Jimmy-john.
Some loves de hot co'n, Some loves de col' co'n; But I loves, I loves, I loves dat Jimmy-john.
[13] Jimmy-john = a whiskey jug.
THE LITTLE ROOSTER
I had a liddle rooster, He crowed befō' day. 'Long come a big owl, An' toted him away.
But de rooster fight hard, An' de owl let him go. Now all de pretty hens Wants dat rooster fer deir beau.
SUGAR IN COFFEE
Sheep's in de meader a-mowin' o' de hay. De honey's in de bee-gum, so dey all say. My head's up an' I'se boun' to go. Who'll take sugar in de coffee-o?
I'se de prettiest liddle gal in de county-o. My mammy an' daddy, dey bofe say so. I looks in de glass, it don't say, "No"; So I'll take sugar in de coffee-o.
THE TURTLE'S SONG[14]
Mud turkle settin' on de end of a log, A-watchin' of a tadpole a-turnin' to a frog. He sees Br'er B'ar a-pullin' lak a mule. He sees Br'er Tearpin a-makin' him a fool.
Br'er B'ar pull de rope an' he puff an' he blow; But he cain't git de Tearpin out'n de water from below. Dat big clay root is a-holdin' dat rope, Br'er Tearpin's got 'im fooled, an' dere hain't no hope.
Mud turkle settin' on de end o' dat log; Sing fer de tadpole a-turnin' to a frog, Sing to Br'er B'ar a-pullin' lak a mule, Sing to Br'er Tearpin a-makin' 'im a fool:—
"Oh, Br'er Rabbit! Yō' eyes mighty big!" "Yes, Br'er Turkle! Dey're made fer to see." "Oh, Br'er Tearpin! Yō' house mighty cu'ous!" "Yes, Br'er Turkle, but it jest suits me."
"Oh, Br'er B'ar! You pulls mighty stout." "Yes, Br'er Turkle! Dat's right smart said!" "Right, Br'er B'ar! Dat sounds bully good, But you'd oughter git a liddle mō' pull in de head."
[14] For explanation see Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.
RACCOON AND OPOSSUM FIGHT
De raccoon an' de 'possum Under de hill a-fightin'; Rabbit almos' bust his sides Laughin' at de bitin'.
De raccoon claw de 'possum Along de ribs an' head; 'Possum tumble over an' grin, Playin' lak he been dead.
COTTON EYED JOE
Hol' my fiddle an' hol' my bow, Whilst I knocks ole Cotton Eyed Joe.
I'd a been dead some seben years ago, If I hadn' a danced dat Cotton Eyed Joe.
Oh, it makes dem ladies love me so, W'en I comes 'roun' pickin' ole Cotton Eyed Joe!
Yes, I'd a been married some forty year ago, If I hadn' stay'd 'roun' wid Cotton Eyed Joe.
I hain't seed ole Joe, since way las' Fall; Dey say he's been sol' down to Guinea Gall.
RABBIT SOUP
Rabbit soup! Rabbit sop! Rabbit e't my tunnup top.
Rabbit hop, rabbit jump, Rabbit hide behin' dat stump.
Rabbit stop, twelve o'clock, Killed dat rabbit wid a rock.
Rabbit's mine. Rabbit's skin'. Dress 'im off an' take 'im in.
Rabbit's on! Dance an' whoop! Makin' a pot o' rabbit soup!
OLD GRAY MINK
I once did think dat I would sink, But you know I wus dat ole gray mink.
Dat ole gray mink jes couldn' die, W'en he thought about good chicken pie.
He swum dat creek above de mill, An' he's killing an' eatin' chicken still.
RUN, NIGGER, RUN!
Run, Nigger, run! De [15]Patter-rollers'll ketch you. Run, Nigger, run! It's almos' day.
Dat Nigger run'd, dat Nigger flew, Dat Nigger tore his shu't in two.
All over dem woods and frou de paster, Dem Patter-rollers shot; but de Nigger git faster,
Oh, dat Nigger whirl'd, dat Nigger wheel'd, Dat Nigger tore up de whole co'n field.
[15] Patrollers, or white guards; on duty at night during the days of slavery; whose duty it was to see that slaves without permission to go, stayed at home.
SHAKE THE PERSIMMONS DOWN
De raccoon up in de 'simmon tree. Dat 'possum on de groun'. De 'possum say to de raccoon: "Suh!" "Please shake dem 'simmons down."
De raccoon say to de 'possum: "Suh!" (As he grin from down below), "If you wants dese good 'simmons, man, Jes clam up whar dey grow."
THE COW NEEDS A TAIL IN FLY-TIME
Dat ole black sow, she can root in de mud, She can tumble an' roll in de slime; But dat big red cow, she git all mired up, So dat cow need a tail in fly-time.
Dat ole gray hoss, wid 'is ole bob tail, You mought buy all 'is ribs fer a dime; But dat ole gray hoss can git a kiver on, Whilst de cow need a tail in fly-time.
Dat Nigger Overseer, dat's a-ridin' on a mule, Cain't make hisse'f white lak de lime; Mosser mought take 'im down fer a notch or two, Den de cow'd need a tail in fly-time.
JAYBIRD DIED WITH THE WHOOPING COUGH
De Jaybird died wid de Whoopin' Cough, De Sparrer died wid de colic; 'Long come de Red-bird, skippin' 'round, Sayin': "Boys, git ready fer de Frolic!"
De Jaybird died wid de Whoopin' Cough, De Bluebird died wid de Measles; 'Long come a Nigger wid a fiddle on his back, 'Vitin' Crows fer to dance wid de Weasels.
Dat Mockin'-bird, he romp an' sing; Dat ole Gray Goose come prancin'. Dat Thrasher stuff his mouf wid plums, Den he caper on down to de dancin'.
Dey hopped it low, an' dey hopped it high; Dey hopped it to, an' dey hopped it by; Dey hopped it fer, an' dey hopped it nigh; Dat fiddle an' bow jes make 'em fly.
WANTED! CORNBREAD AND COON
I'se gwine now a-huntin' to ketch a big fat coon. Gwineter bring him home, an' bake him, an' eat him wid a spoon. Gwineter baste him up wid gravy, an' add some onions too. I'se gwineter shet de Niggers out, an' stuff myse'f clean through.
I wants a piece o' hoecake; I wants a piece o' bread, An' I wants a piece o' Johnnycake as big as my ole head. I wants a piece o' ash cake: I wants dat big fat coon! An' I shō' won't git hongry 'fore de middle o' nex' June.
LITTLE RED HEN
My liddle red hen, wid a liddle white foot, Done built her nes' in a huckleberry root. She lay mō' aigs dan a flock on a fahm. Anudder liddle drink wouldn' do us no harm.
My liddle red hen hatch fifty red chicks In dat liddle ole nes' of huckleberry sticks. Wid one mō' drink, ev'y chick'll make two! Come, bring it on, Honey, an' let's git through.
RATION DAY
Dat ration day come once a week, Ole Mosser's rich as Gundy; But he gives us 'lasses all de week, An' buttermilk fer Sund'y.
Ole Mosser give me a pound o' meat. I e't it all on Mond'y; Den I e't 'is 'lasses all de week, An' buttermilk fer Sund'y.
Ole Mosser give me a peck o' meal, I fed and cotch my tucky; But I e't dem 'lasses all de week, An' buttermilk fer Sund'y.
Oh laugh an' sing an' don't git tired. We's all gwine home, some Mond'y, To de honey ponds an' fritter trees; An' ev'ry day'll be Sund'y.
MY FIDDLE
If my ole fiddle wus jes in chune, She'd bring me a dollar ev'y Friday night in June. W'en my ole fiddle is fixed up right, She bring me a dollar in nearly ev'y night. W'en my ole fiddle begin to sing, She make de whole plantation ring. She bring me in a dollar an' sometime mō'. Hurrah fer my ole fiddle an' bow!
DIE IN THE PIG-PEN FIGHTING
Dat ole sow said to de barrer: "I'll tell you w'at let's do: Let's go an' git dat broad-axe And die in de pig-pen too."
"Die in de pig-pen fightin'! Yes, die, die in de wah! Die in de pig-pen fightin', Yes, die wid a bitin' jaw!"
MASTER IS SIX FEET ONE WAY
Mosser is six foot one way, an' free foot tudder; An' he weigh five hunderd pound. Britches cut so big dat dey don't suit de tailor, An' dey don't meet half way 'round.
Mosser's coat come back to a claw-hammer p'int. (Speak sof' or his Bloodhound'll bite us.) His long white stockin's mighty clean an' nice, But a liddle mō' holier dan righteous.
FOX AND GEESE
Br'er Fox wa'k out one moonshiny night, He say to hisse'f w'at he's a gwineter do. He say, "I'se gwineter have a good piece o' meat, Befō' I leaves dis townyoo. Dis townyoo, dis townyoo! Yes, befō' I leaves dis townyoo!"
Ole mammy Sopentater jump up out'n bed, An' she poke her head outside o' de dō'. She say: "Ole man, my gander's gone. I heared 'im w'en he holler 'quinny-quanio,' 'Quinny-quanio, quinny-quanio!' Yes, I heared 'im w'en he holler 'quinny-quanio.'"
GOOSEBERRY WINE
Now 'umble Uncle Steben, I wonders whar youse gwine? Don't never tu'n yō' back, Suh, On dat good ole gooseberry wine!
Oh walk chalk, Ginger Blue! Git over double trouble. You needn' min' de wedder So's de win' don't blow you double.
Now! Uncle Mack! Uncle Mack! Did you ever see de lak? Dat good ole sweet gooseberry wine Call Uncle Steben back.
I'D RATHER BE A NEGRO THAN A POOR WHITE MAN
My name's Ran, I wuks in de san'; But I'd druther be a Nigger dan a pō' white man.
Gwineter hitch my oxes side by side, An' take my gal fer a big fine ride.
Gwineter take my gal to de country stō'; Gwineter dress her up in red calico.
You take Kate, an' I'll take Joe. Den off we'll go to de pahty-o.
Gwineter take my gal to de Hullabaloo, Whar dere hain't no [16]Crackers in a mile or two.
Interlocution:
(Fiddler) "Oh, Sal! Whar's de milk strainer cloth?"
(Banjo Picker) "Bill's got it wropped 'round his ole sore leg."
(Fiddler) "Well, take it down to de gum spring an' give it a cold water rench; I 'spizes nastness anyway. I'se got to have a clean cloth fer de milk."
He don't lak whisky but he jest drinks a can. Honey! I'd druther be a Nigger dan a pō' white man.
I'd druther be a Nigger, an' plow ole Beck Dan a white [16]Hill Billy wid his long red neck.
[16] Names applied by Negroes to the poorer class of white people in the South.
THE HUNTING CAMP
Sam got up one mornin' A mighty big fros'. Saw "A louse, in de huntin' camp As big as any hoss!"
Sam run 'way down de mountain; But w'en Mosser got dar, He swore it twusn't nothin' But a big black b'ar.
THE ARK
Ole Nora had a lots o' hands A clearin' new ground patches. He said he's gwineter build a Ark, An' put tar on de hatches.
He had a sassy Mo'gan hoss An' gobs of big fat cattle; An' he driv' em all aboard de Ark, W'en he hear de thunder rattle.
An' den de river riz so fas' Dat it bust de levee railin's. De lion got his dander up, An' he lak to a broke de palin's.
An' on dat Ark wus daddy Ham; No udder Nigger on dat packet. He soon got tired o' de Barber Shop, Caze he couln' stan' de racket.
An' den jes to amuse hisse'f, He steamed a board an' bent it, Son. Dat way he got a banjer up, Fer ole Ham's de fust to make one.
Dey danced dat Ark from ēen to ēen, Ole Nora called de Figgers. Ole Ham, he sot an' knocked de chunes, De happiest of de Niggers.
GRAY AND BLACK HORSES
I went down to de woods an' I couldn' go 'cross, So I paid five dollars fer an ole gray hoss. De hoss wouldn' pull, so I sōl' 'im fer a bull. De bull wouldn' holler, so I sōl' 'im fer a dollar. De dollar wouldn' pass, so I throwed it in de grass. Den de grass wouldn' grow. Heigho! Heigho!
Through dat huckleberry woods I couldn' git far, So I paid a good dollar fer an ole black mar'. W'en I got down dar, de trees wouldn' bar; So I had to gallop back on dat ole black mar'. "Bookitie-bar!" Dat ole black mar'; "Bookitie-bar!" Dat ole black mar'. Yes she trabble so hard dat she jolt off my ha'r.
RATTLER
Go call ole Rattler from de bo'n. Here Rattler! Here! He'll drive de cows out'n de co'n, Here Rattler! Here!
Rattler is my huntin' dog. Here Rattler! Here! He's good fer rabbit, good fer hog, Here Rattler! Here!
He's good fer 'possum in de dew. Here Rattler! Here! Sometimes he gits a chicken, too. Here Rattler! Here!
BROTHER BEN AND SISTER SAL
Ole Br'er Ben's a mighty good ole man, He don't steal chickens lak he useter. He went down de chicken roos' las' Friday night, An' tuck off a dominicker rooster.
Dere's ole Sis Sal, she climbs right well, But she cain't 'gin to climb lak she useter. So yonder she sets a shellin' out co'n To Mammy's ole bob-tailed rooster.
Yes, ole Sis Sal's a mighty fine ole gal, She's shō' extra good an' clever. She's done tuck a notion all her own, Dat she hain't gwineter marry never.
Ole Sis Sal's got a foot so big, Dat she cain't wear no shoes an' gaiters. So all she want is some red calico, An' dem big yaller yam sweet taters.
Now looky, looky here! Now looky, looky there! Jes looky!—Looky 'way over yonder!— Don't you see dat ole gray goose A-smilin' at de gander?
SIMON SLICK'S MULE
Dere wus a liddle kickin' man, His name wus Simon Slick. He had a mule wid cherry eyes. Oh, how dat mule could kick!
An', Suh, w'en you go up to him, He shet one eye an' smile; Den 'e telegram 'is foot to you, An' sen' you half a mile!
NOBODY LOOKING
Well: I look dis a way, an' I look dat a way, An' I heared a mighty rumblin'. W'en I come to find out, 'twus dad's black sow, A-rootin' an' a-grumblin'.
Den: I slipped away down to de big White House. Miss Sallie, she done gone 'way. I popped myse'f in de rockin' chear, An' I rocked myse'f all day.
Now: I looked dis a way, an' I looked dat a way, An' I didn' see nobody in here. I jes run'd my head in de coffee pot, An' I drink'd up all o' de beer.
HOECAKE
If you wants to bake a hoecake, To bake it good an' done; Jes' slap it on a Nigger's heel, An' hol' it to de sun.
Dat snake, he bake a hoecake, An' sot de toad to mind it; Dat toad he up an' go to sleep, An' a lizard slip an' find it!
My mammy baked a hoecake, As big as Alabamer. She throwed it 'g'inst a Nigger's head An' it ring jes' lak a hammer.
De way you bakes a hoecake, In de ole Virginy 'tire; You wrops it 'round a Nigger's heel, An' hōl's it to de fire.
I WENT DOWN THE ROAD
I went down de road, I went in a whoop; An' I met Aunt Dinah Wid a chicken pot o' soup. Sing: "I went away from dar; hook-a-doo-dle, hook-a-doo-dle." "I went away from dar; hook-a-doo-dle-doo!" I drunk up dat soup, An' I let her go by; An' I tōl' her nex' time To bring Missus' pot pie. Sing: "Oh far'-you-well; hook-a-doo-dle, hook-a-doo-dle; Oh far'-you-well, an' a hook-a-doo-dle-doo!"
THE OLD HEN CACKLED
De ole hen she cackled, An' stayed down in de bo'n. She git fat an' sassy, A-eatin' up de co'n.
De ole hen she cackled, Git great long yaller laigs. She swaller down de oats, But I don't git no aigs.
De ole hen she cackled, She cackled in de lot, De nex' time she cackled, She cackled in de pot.
I LOVE SOMEBODY
I loves somebody, yes, I do; An' I wants somebody to love me too. Wid my chyart an' oxes stan'in' 'roun', Her pretty liddle foot needn' tetch de groun'.
I loves somebody, yes, I do, Dat randsome, handsome, Stickamastew. Wid her reddingoat an' waterfall, She's de pretty liddle gal dat beats 'em all.
WE ARE "ALL THE GO"
Yes! We's "All-de-go," boys; we's "All-de-go." Me an' my Lulu gal's "All-de-go." I jes' loves my sweet pretty liddle Lulu Ann, But de way she gits my money I cain't hardly understan'. W'en she up an' call me "Honey!" I fergits my name is Sam, An' I hain't got one nickel lef' to git a me a dram.
Still: We's "All-de-go," boys; we's "All-de-go." Me an' my Lulu gal's "All-de-go." She's always gwine a-fishin', w'en she'd oughter not to go; An' now she's all a troubled wid de frostes an' de snow. I tells you jes one thing dat I'se done gone an' foun': De Nigs cain't git no livin' 'round de Cō't House steps an' town.
AUNT DINAH DRUNK
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 HILLS
Once: Dere wus an ole 'oman Dat 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 up No rocks in his life.
So: De ole 'oman said To 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 WIFE
Las' Sadday night my wife tuck sick, An' what d'you reckon ail her? She e't a tucky gobbler's head An' 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 TRAVEL
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."
I WOULD NOT MARRY A BLACK GIRL[17]
I wouldn' marry a black gal, I'll tell you de reason why: When she goes to comb dat head De 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.
HARVEST SONG
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 JUBILEE
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 Come In de Year o' Jubilee.
Oh, yon'er comes ole Mosser Wid his red mustache all white! It mus' be now de Kingdom Come Sometime 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.
SHEEP SHELL CORN
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'n I 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.
PLASTER
Chilluns: Mammy an' daddy had a hoss, Dey want a liddle bigger. Dey sticked a plaster on his back An' 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 NED
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 head In 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" COAT
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.
I WOULDN'T MARRY A YELLOW OR A WHITE NEGRO GIRL[21]
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.
DON'T ASK ME QUESTIONS
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 'lasses An' de pie'll be all sour.
Dem apples jes wa'k here; An' dem 'lasses, dey run. Hain't no place lak my house Found un'er de sun.
THE OLD SECTION BOSS
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 hump An' dat ole Police shō' 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 MEAT
Dem white folks set up in a Dinin' Room An' 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 ANN
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.
WALK TOM WILSON
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 PIE
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 out yō' 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 wait When 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 Goodness Dat I gits de bigges' slice.
I AM NOT GOING TO HOBO ANY MORE
My mammy done tol' me a long time ago To 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-FOUR
If de people'll jes gimme Des a liddle bit o' peace, I'll tell 'em what happen To de Chief o' Perlice. He met a robber Right at de dō'! An' de robber, he shot 'im Wid a forty-fō'! He shot dat Perliceman. He shot 'im shō'! What did he shoot 'im wid? A forty-fō'.
Dey sent fer de Doctah An' de Doctah he come. He come in a hurry, He come in a run. He come wid his instriments Right in his han', To progue an' find Dat forty-fō', Man! De Doctah he progued; He progued 'im shō'! But he jes couldn' find Dat 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'!
PLAY RHYME SECTION
BLINDFOLD PLAY CHANT
Oh blin' man! Oh blin' man! You cain't never see. Just tu'n 'round three times You 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](Fox Call) "Fox in de mawnin'!" (Goose Sponse) "Goose in de evenin'!"
(Fox Call) "How many geese you got?" (Goose Sponse) "More 'an you're able to ketch!"
[24] For explanation of "call," and "sponse," see Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.
HAWK AND CHICKENS PLAY
[25](Chicken's Call) "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? (Hawk Sponse) "One"
(Hawk Call) "I wants a chick." (Chicken's Sponse) "Well, you cain't git mine."
(Hawk Call) "I shall have a chick!" (Chicken's Sponse) "You shan't have a chick!"
[25] For explanation of "call," and "sponse," see Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.
CAUGHT BY THE WITCH PLAY
(Human Call) "Molly, Molly, Molly-bright!" (Witch Sponse) "Three scō' an' ten!"
(Human Call) "Can we git dar 'fore candle-light?" (Witch Sponse) "Yes, if yō' legs is long an' light."
(Conscience's Warning Call) "You'd better watch out, Or de witches'll git yer!"
GOOSIE-GANDER PLAY RHYME[26]
"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.
HAWK AND BUZZARD
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 DISLIKES
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' nice Lak 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 GIRL
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 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 SQUIRREL
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!"
A BUDGET
If I lives to see nex' Spring I'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 GNATS
Dem ole black gnats, dey is so bad I 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 TEA
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.
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 SONG
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 CARPET
Jes choose yō' Eas'; jes choose yō' Wes'. Now choose de one you loves de bes'. If she hain't here to take 'er part Choose 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 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.
PRECIOUS THINGS
Hol' my rooster, hōl' my hen, Pray don't tetch my [28]Gooshen Ben'.
Hol' my bonnet, hōl' my shawl, Pray don't tetch my waterfall.
Hōl' my han's by de finger tips, But pray don't tetch my sweet liddle lips.
[28] Grecian Bend.
HE LOVES SUGAR AND TEA
Mistah Buster, he loves sugar an' tea. Mistah Buster, he loves candy. Mistah Buster, he's a Jim-dandy! He can swing dem gals so handy.
Charlie's up an' Charlie's down. Charlie's fine an' dandy. Ev'ry time he goes to town, He gits dem gals stick candy.
Dat Niggah, he love sugar an' tea. Dat Niggah love dat candy. Fine Niggah! He can wheel 'em 'round, An' swing dem ladies handy.
Mistah Sambo, he love sugar an' tea. Mistah Sambo love his candy. Mistah Sambo; he's dat han'some man What goes wid sister Mandy.
HERE COMES A YOUNG MAN COURTING
Here comes a young man a courtin'! Courtin'! Courtin'! Here comes a young man a-courtin'! It's Tidlum Tidelum Day. "Say! Won't you have one o' us? Us, Sir? Us, Sir? Say! Won't you have one o' us, Sir?" dem brown skin ladies say.
"You is too black an' rusty! Rusty! Rusty! You is too black an' rusty!" said Tidlum Tidelum Day. "We hain't no blacker 'an you, Sir! You, Sir! You, Sir! We hain't no blacker 'an you, Sir!" dem brown skin ladies say.
"Pray! Won't you have one o' us, Sir? Us, Sir? Us, Sir? Pray! Won't you have one o' us, Sir?" say yaller gals all gay. "You is too ragged an' dirty! Dirty! Dirty! You is too ragged an' dirty!" said Tidlum Tidelum Day.
"You shore is got de bighead! Bighead! Bighead! You shore is got de bighead! You needn' come dis way. We's good enough fer you, Sir! You, Sir! You, Sir! We's good enough fer you, Sir!" dem yaller gals all say.
"De fairest one dat I can see, dat I can see, dat I can see, De fairest one dat I can see," said Tidlum Tidelum Day. "My Lulu, come an' wa'k wid me, wa'k wid me, wa'k wid me. My Lulu, come an' wa'k wid me. 'Miss Tidlum Tidelum Day.'"
ANCHOR LINE
I'se gwine out on de Anchor Line, Dinah! I won't git back 'fore de summer time, Dinah! W'en I come back be "dead in line," I'se gwineter bring you a dollar an' a dime, Shore as I gits in from de Anchor Line, Dinah!
If you loves me lak I loves you, Dinah! No Coon can cut our love in two, Dinah! If you'll jes come an' go wid me, Come go wid me to Tennessee, Come go wid me; I'll set you free,—Dinah!
SALLIE
Sallie! Sallie! don't you want to marry? Sallie! Sallie! do come an' tarry! Sallie! Sallie! Mammy says to tell her when. Sallie! Sallie! She's gwineter kill dat turkey hen!
Sallie! Sallie! When you goes to marry, (Sallie! Sallie!) Marry a fahmin man(!) (Sallie! Sallie!) Ev'ry day'll be Mond'y, (Sallie! Sallie!) Wid a hoe-handle in yō' han'!
SONG TO THE RUNAWAY SLAVE[29]
Go 'way from dat window, "My Honey, My Love!" Go 'way from dat window! I say. De baby's in de bed, an' his mammy's lyin' by, But you cain't git yō' lodgin' here.
Go 'way from dat window, "My Honey, My Love!" Go 'way from dat window! I say; Fer ole Mosser's got 'is gun, an' to Miss'ip' youse been sōl'; So you cain't git yō' lodgin' here.
Go 'way from dat window, "My Honey, My Love!" Go 'way from dat window! I say. De baby keeps a-cryin'; but you'd better un'erstan' Dat you cain't git yō' lodgin' here.
Go 'way from dat window, "My Honey, My Love!" Go 'way from dat window! I say; Fer de Devil's in dat man, an' you'd better un'erstan' Dat you cain't git yō' lodgin' here.
[29] The story went among Negroes that a runaway slave husband returned every night, and knocked on the window of his wife's cabin to get food. Other slaves having betrayed the secret that he was still in the vicinity, he was sold in the woods to a slave trader at reduced price. This trader was to come next day with bloodhounds to hunt him down. On the night after the sale, when the runaway slave husband knocked, the slave wife pinched their baby to make it cry. Then she sang the above song (as if singing to the baby), so that he might, if possible, effect his escape.
DOWN IN THE LONESOME GARDEN
Hain't no use to weep, hain't no use to moan; Down in a lonesome gyardin. You cain't git no meat widout pickin' up a bone, Down in a lonesome gyardin.
Look at dat gal! How she puts on airs, Down in de lonesome gyardin! But whar did she git dem closes she w'ars, Down in de lonesome gyardin?
It hain't gwineter rain, an' it hain't gwineter snow; Down in my lonesome gyardin. You hain't gwinter eat in my kitchen doo', Nor down in my lonesome gyardin.
LITTLE SISTER, WON'T YOU MARRY ME?
Liddle sistah in de barn, jine de weddin'. Youse de sweetest liddle couple dat I ever did see. Oh Love! Love! Ahms all 'round me! Say, liddle sistah, won't you marry me?
Oh step back, gal, an' don't you come a nigh me, Wid all dem sassy words dat you say to me. Oh Love! Love! Ahms all 'roun' me! Oh liddle sistah, won't you marry me?
RAISE A "RUCUS" TO-NIGHT
Two liddle Niggers all dressed in white, (Raise a rucus to-night.) Want to go to Heaben on de tail of a kite. (Raise a rucus to-night.) De kite string broke; dem Niggers fell; (Raise a rucus to-night.) Whar dem Niggers go, I hain't gwineter tell. (Raise a rucus to-night.)
A Nigger an' a w'ite man a playin' seben up; (Raise a rucus to-night.) De Nigger beat de w'ite man, but 'ē's skeered to pick it up. (Raise a rucus to-night.) Dat Nigger grabbed de money, an' de w'ite man fell. (Raise a rucus to-night.) How de Nigger run, I'se not gwineter tell. (Raise a rucus to-night.)
Look here, Nigger! Let me tell you a naked fac'; (Raise a rucus to-night.) You mought a been cullud widout bein' dat black; (Raise a rucus to-night.) Dem 'ar feet look lak youse shō' walkin' back; (Raise a rucus to-night.) An' yō' ha'r, it look lak a chyarpet tack. (Raise a rucus to-night.)
Oh come 'long, chilluns, come 'long, W'ile dat moon are shinin' bright. Let's git on board, an' float down de river, An' raise dat rucus to-night.
SWEET PINKS AND ROSES
Sweet pinks an' roses, strawbeers on de vines, Call in de one you loves, an' kiss 'er if you minds. Here sets a pretty gal, Here sets a pretty boy; Cheeks painted rosy, an' deir eyes battin' black. You kiss dat pretty gal, an' I'll stan' back.
PASTIME RHYME SECTION
SATAN
De Lawd made man, an' de man made money. De Lawd made de bees, an' de bees made honey. De Lawd made ole Satan, an' ole Satan he make sin. Den de Lawd, He make a liddle hole to put ole Satan in.
Did you ever see de Devil, wid his iron handled shovel, A scrapin' up de san' in his ole tin pan? He cuts up mighty funny, he steals all yō' money, He blinds you wid his san'. He's tryin' to git you, man!
JOHNNY BIGFOOT
Johnny, Johnny Bigfoot! Want a pair o' shoes? Go kick two cows out'n deir skins. Run Brudder, tell de news!
THE THRIFTY SLAVE
Jes wuk all day, Den go huntin' in de wood. Ef you cain't ketch nothin', Den you hain't no good. Don't look at Mosser's chickens, Caze dey're roostin' high. Big pig, liddle pig, root hog or die!
WILD NEGRO BILL
I'se wild Nigger Bill Frum Redpepper Hill. I never did wo'k, an' I never will.
I'se done killed de Boss. I'se knocked down de hoss. I eats up raw goose widout apple sauce!
I'se Run-a-way Bill, I knows dey mought kill; But ole Mosser hain't cotch me, an' he never will!
YOU LOVE YOUR GIRL
You loves yō' gal? Well, I loves mine. Yō' gal hain't common? Well, my gal's fine.
I loves my gal, She hain't no goose— Blacker 'an blackberries, Sweeter 'an juice.
FRIGHTENED AWAY FROM A CHICKEN-ROOST
I went down to de hen house on my knees, An' I thought I heared dat chicken sneeze. You'd oughter seed dis Nigger a-gittin' 'way frum dere, But 'twusn't nothin' but a rooster sayin' his prayer. How I wish dat rooster's prayer would en', Den perhaps I mought eat dat ole gray hen.
BEDBUG
De June-bug's got de golden wing, De Lightning-bug de flame; De Bedbug's got no wing at all, But he gits dar jes de same.
De Punkin-bug's got a punkin smell, De Squash-bug smells de wust; But de puffume of dat ole Bedbug, It's enough to make you bust.
Wen dat Bedbug come down to my house, I wants my walkin' cane. Go git a pot an' scald 'im hot! Good-by, Miss Lize Jane!
HOW TO GET TO GLORY LAND
If you wants to git to Glory Land, I'll tell you what to do: Jes grease yō' heels wid mutton sue, W'en de Devil's atter you. Jes grease yō' heel an' grease yō' han', An' slip 'way—over into Glory Lan'.
DESTITUTE FORMER SLAVE OWNERS
Missus an' Mosser a-walkin' de street, Deir han's in deir pockets an' nothin' to eat. She'd better be home a-washin' up de dishes, An' a-cleanin' up de ole man's raggitty britches. He'd better run 'long an' git out de hoes An' clear out his own crooked weedy corn rows; De Kingdom is come, de Niggers is free. Hain't no Nigger slaves in de Year Jubilee.
FATTENING FROGS FOR SNAKES
You needn' sen' my gal hoss apples You needn' sen' her 'lasses candy; She would keer fer de lak o' you, Ef you'd sen' her apple brandy.
W'y don't you git some common sense? Jes git a liddle! Oh fer land sakes! Quit yō' foolin', she hain't studyin' you! Youse jes fattenin' frogs fer snakes!
THE MULE'S KICK
Is dis me, or not me, Or is de Devil got me? Wus dat a muskit shot me? Is I laid here more'n a week?— Dat ole mule do kick amazin', An' I 'spec's he's now a-grazin' On de t'other side de creek.
CHRISTMAS TURKEY
I prayed to de Lawd fer tucky-o. Dat tucky wouldn' come. I prayed, an' I prayed 'til I'se almos' daid. No tucky at my home.
Chrismus Day, she almos' here; My wife, she mighty mad. She want dat tucky mo' an' mo'. An' she want 'im mighty bad.
I prayed 'til de scales come on my knees, An' still no tucky come. I tuck myse'f to my tucky roos', An' I brung my tucky home.
A FULL POCKETBOOK
De goose at de barn, he feel mighty funny, Caze de duck find a pocketbook chug full o' money. De goose say: "Whar is you gwine, my Sonny?" An' de duck, he say: "Now good-by, Honey."
De duck chaw terbacker an' de goose drink wine, Wid a stuffed pocketbook dey shō' had a good time; De grasshopper played de fiddle on a punkin vine 'Till dey all fall over on a sorter dead line.
NO ROOM TO POKE FUN
Nev' mīn' if my nose are flat, An' my face are black an' sooty; De Jaybird hain't so big in song, An' de Bullfrog hain't no beauty.
CROOKED NOSE JANE
I courted a gal down de lane. Her name, it wus Crooked Nose Jane. Her face wus white speckled, her lips wus all red, An' she look jes as lean as a weasel half-fed.
BAD FEATURES
Blue gums an' black eyes; Run 'round an' tell lies. Liddle head, liddle wit; Big long head, not a bit.
Wid his long crooked toes, An' his heel right roun'; Dat flat-footed Nigger Make a hole in de groun'.
MISS SLIPPY SLOPPY
Ole Miss Slippy Sloppy jump up out'n bed, Den out'n de winder she poke 'er nappy head, "Jack! O Jack! De gray goose's dead. Dat fox done gone an' bit off 'er head!"
Jack run up de hill an' he call Mosser's hounds; An' w'en dat fox hear dem turble sounds, He sw'ar by his head an' his hide all 'round, Dat he don't want no dinner, but a hole in de ground.
HOW TO MAKE IT RAIN
Go kill dat snake an' hang him high, Den tu'n his belly to de sky. De storm an' rain'll come bye an' bye.
A WIND-BAG
A nigger come a-struttin' up to me las' night; In his han' wus a walkin' cane, He tipped his hat an' give a low bow; "Howdy-doo! Miss Lize Jane!"
But I didn' ax him how he done, Which make a hint good pinned, Dat I'd druther have a paper bag, When it's sumpin' to be filled up wid wind.
GOING TO BE GOOD SLAVES
Ole Mosser an' Missus has gone down to town, Dey said dey'd git us somethin' an' dat hain't no jokes. I'se gwineter be good all de whilst dey're all 'way, An' I'se gwineter wear stockin's jes lak de white folks.
PAGE'S GEESE[30]
Ole man Page'll be in a turble rage, W'en he find out, it'll raise his dander. Yankee soldiers bought his geese, fer one cent a-piece, An' sent de pay home by de gander.
[30] The Northern soldiers during the Civil War took all of a Southern planter's geese except one lone gander. They put one penny, for each goose taken, into a small bag and tied this bag around the gander's neck. They then sent him home to his owner with the pay of one penny for each goose taken. The Negroes of the community at once made up this little song.
TO WIN A YELLOW GIRL
If you wants to win a yaller gal, I tell you what you do; You "borrow" Mosser's Beaver hat, An' slip on his Long-tailed Blue.
SEX LAUGH
You'se heared a many a gal laugh, An' say: "He! He-he! He-he-he!" But you hain't heared no boy laugh, An' say: "She! She-she! She-she-she!"
OUTRUNNING THE DEVIL
I went upon de mountain, An' I seed de Devil comin'. I retched an' got my hat an' coat, An' I beat de Devil runnin'.
As I run'd down across de fiel', A rattlesnake bit me on de heel. I rears an' pitches an' does my bes', An' I falls right back in a hornet's nes'.
For w'en I wus a sinnah man, I rund by leaps an' boun's. I wus afeard de Devil 'ould ketch me Wid his ole three legged houn's.
But now I'se come a Christun, I kneels right down an' prays, An' den de Devil runs from me— I'se tried dem other ways.
HOW TO KEEP OR KILL THE DEVIL
If you wants to see de Devil smile, Simpully do lak his own chile.
If you wants to see de Devil git spunk, Swallow whisky, an' git drunk.
If you wants to see de Devil live, Cuss an' swar an' never give.
If you wants to see de Devil run, Jes tu'n a loose de Gospel gun.
If you wants to see de Devil fall, Hit him wid de Gospel ball.
If you wants to see de Devil beg, Nail him wid a Gospel peg.
If you wants to see de Devil sick, Beat him wid a Gospel stick.
If you wants to see de Devil die, Feed him up on Gospel pie.
But de Devil w'ars dat iron shoe, An' if you don't watch, he'll slip it on you.
JOHN HENRY
John Henry, he wus a steel-drivin' man. He died wid his hammer in his han'. O come long boys, an' line up de track, For John Henry, he hain't never comin' back.
John Henry said to his Cappun: "Boss, A man hain't nothin' but a man, An' 'fore I'll be beat in dis sexion gang, I'll die wid a hammer in my han'."
John Henry, he had a liddle boy, He helt 'im in de pam of his han'; An' de las' word he say to dat chile wus: "I wants you to be my steel-drivin' man."
John Henry, he had a pretty liddle wife, An' her name, it wus Polly Ann. She walk down de track, widout lookin' back, For to see her big fine steel-drivin' man.
John Henry had dat pretty liddle wife, An' she went all dress up in red. She walk ev'y day down de railroad track To de place whar her steel-drivin' man fell dead.
THE NASHVILLE LADIES[31]
Dem Nashville ladies dress up fine. Got longpail hoopskirts hanging down behīn'! Got deir bonnets to deir shoulders an' deir noses in de sky! Big pig! Liddle pig! Root hog, or die!
[31] The name of the place was used where the rhyme was repeated.
THE RASCAL
I'se de bigges' rascal fer my age. I now speaks from dis public stage. I'se stole a cow; I'se stole a calf, An' dat hain't more 'an jes 'bout half.
Yes, Mosser!—Lover of my soul!— "How many chickens has I stole?" Well; three las' night, an' two night befo'; An' I'se gwine 'fore long to git four mō'.
But you see dat hones' Billy Ben, He done e't more dan erry three men. He e't a ham, den e't a side; He would a e't mō', but you know he died.
COFFEE GROWS ON WHITE FOLKS' TREES
Coffee grows on w'ite folks' trees, But de Nigger can git dat w'en he please. De w'ite folks loves deir milk an' brandy, But dat black gal's sweeter dan 'lasses candy.
Coffee grows on w'ite folks trees, An' dere's a river dat runs wid milk an' brandy. De rocks is broke an' filled wid gold, So dat yaller gal loves dat high-hat dandy.
AUNT JEMIMA
Ole Aunt Jemima grow so tall, Dat she couldn' see de groun'. She stumped her toe, an' down she fell From de Blackwoods clean to town.
W'en Aunt Jemima git in town, An' see dem "tony" ways, She natchully faint an' back she fell To de Backwoods whar she stays.
THE MULE'S NATURE
If you sees a mule tied up to a tree, You mought pull his tail an' think about me. For if a Nigger don't know de natcher of a mule, It makes no diffunce what 'comes of a fool.
I'M A "ROUND-TOWN" GENTLEMAN
I hain't no wagon, hain't no dray, Jes come to town wid a load o' hay. I hain't no cornfield to go to bed Wid a lot o' hay-seeds in my head. I'se a "round-town" Gent an' I don't choose To wuk in de mud, an' do widout shoes.
THIS SUN IS HOT
Dis sun are hot, Dis hoe are heavy, Dis grass grow furder dan I can reach; An' as I looks At dis Cotton fiel', I thinks I mus' 'a' been called to preach.
UNCLE JERRY FANTS
Has you heared 'bout Uncle Jerry Fants? He's got on some cu'ious shapes. He's de one what w'ars dem white duck pants, An' he sot down on a bunch o' grapes.
KEPT BUSY
Jes as soon as de sun go down, My True-love's on my min'. An' jes as soon as de daylight breaks De white folks is got me a gwine.
She's de sweetes' thing in town; An' when I sees dat Nig, She make my heart go "pitty-pat," An' my head go "whirly-gig."
CROSSING A FOOT-LOG
Me an' my wife an' my bobtail dog Start 'cross de creek on a hick'ry log. We all fall in an' git good wet, But I helt to my liddle brown jug, you bet!
WATERMELON PREFERRED
Dat hambone an' chicken are sweet. Dat 'possum meat are sholy fine. But give me,—now don't you cheat!— (Oh, I jes wish you would give me!) Dat watermillion, smilin' on de vine.
"THEY STEAL" GOSSIP
You know: Some folks say dat a Nigger won't steal, But Mosser cotch six in a watermillion fiel'; A-cuttin', an' a-pluggin' an' a-tearin' up de vines, A-eatin' all de watermillions, an' a-stackin' up de rinds.
Uh-huh! Yes, I heared dat: Ole Mosser stole a middlin' o' meat, Ole Missus stole a ham; Dey sent 'em bofe to de Wuk-house, An' dey had to leave de land.
FOX AND RABBIT DRINKING PROPOSITIONS
Fox on de low ground, Rabbit on de hill. Says he: "I'll take a drink, An' leave you a gill."
De fox say: "Honey, (You sweet liddle elf!) Jes hand me down de whole cup; I wants it fer myself."
A TURKEY FUNERAL
Dis tucky once on earth did dwell; An' "Gobble! Gobble! Gobble!" But now he gives me bigges' joy, An' rests from all his trouble.
Yes, now he's happy, so am I; No hankerin' fer a feas': Because I'se stuffed wid tucky meat, An' he struts in tucky peace.
OUR OLD MULE
We had an ole mule an' he wouldn' go "gee"; So I knocked 'im down wid a single-tree. To daddy dis wus some mighty bad news, So he made me jump up an' outrun de Jews.
THE COLLEGE OX
Ole Ox! Ole Ox! How'd you come up here? You'se shō' plowed de cotton fields for many a, many a year. You'se been kicked an' cuffed about wid heaps an' heaps abuse. Now! Now, you comes up here fer some sort o' College use.
CARE IN BREAD-MAKING
W'en you sees dat gal o' mine, Jes tell 'er fer me, if you please, Nex' time she goes to make up bread To roll up 'er dirty sleeves.
WHY LOOK AT ME?
What's you lookin' at me fer? I didn' come here to stay. I wants dis bug put in yō' years, An' den I'se gwine away.
I'se got milk up in my bucket, I'se got butter up in my bowl; But I hain't got no Sweetheart Fer to save my soul.
A SHORT LETTER
She writ me a letter As long as my eye. An' she say in dat letter: "My Honey!—Good-by!"
DOES MONEY TALK?
Dem whitefolks say dat money talk. If it talk lak dey tell, Den ev'ry time it come to Sam, It up an' say: "Farewell!"
I'LL EAT WHEN I'M HUNGRY
I'll eat when I'se hongry, An' I'll drink when I'se dry; An' if de whitefolks don't kill me, I'll live till I die.
In my liddle log cabin, Ever since I'se been born; Dere hain't been no nothin' 'Cept dat hard salt parch corn.
But I knows whar's a henhouse, An' de tucky he charve; An' if ole Mosser don't kill me, I cain't never starve.
HEAR-SAY
Hello! Br'er Jack. How do you do? I'se been a-hearin' a heaps o' things 'bout you. I'll jes declar! It beats de Dickuns! Dey's been tryin' to say you's been a-stealin' chickens!
NEGRO SOLDIER'S CIVIL WAR CHANT
Ole [32]Abe (God bless 'is ole soul!) Got a plenty good victuals, an' a plenty good clo'es. Got powder, an' shot, an' lead, To bust in Adam's liddle Confed' In dese hard times.
Oh, once dere wus union, an' den dere wus peace; De slave, in de cornfield, bare up to his knees. But de Rebel's in gray, an' Sesesh's in de way, An' de slave'll be free In dese hard times.
[32] Abraham Lincoln.
PARODY ON "NOW I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP"
Uh-huh: "Now I lays me down to sleep!"— While dead oudles o' bedbugs 'round me creep,— Well: If dey bites me befō' "I" wake, I hopes "deir" ole jawbones'll break.
I'LL GET YOU, RABBIT!
Rabbit! Rabbit! You'se got a mighty habit, A-runnin' through de grass, Eatin' up my cabbages; But I'll git you shore at las'.
Rabbit! Rabbit! Ole rabbit in de bottoms, A-playin' in de san', By to-morrow mornin', You'll be in my fryin' pan.
THE ELEPHANT
My mammy gimme fifteen cents Fer to see dat elephan' jump de fence. He jump so high, I didn' see why, If she gimme a dollar he mought not cry.
So I axed my mammy to gimme a dollar, Fer to go an' hear de elephan' holler. He holler so loud, he skeered de crowd.
Nex' he jump so high, he tetch de sky; An' he won't git back 'fore de fo'th o' July.
A FEW NEGROES BY STATES
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 ago Dat 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 PREACHER
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 FIGHT
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 DRESS
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." |
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