SPRINGHILL MINE DISASTER

IN THE TOWN OF SPRINGHILL, NOVA SCOTIA,
DOWN IN THE DARK OF THE CUMBERLAND MINE, THERE'S BLOOD ON THE COAL
AND THE MINERS LIE, ON THE ROADS THAT NEVER SAW SUN NOR SKY, ROADS
THAT NEVER SAW SUN NOR SKY. IN THE TOWN OF SPRINGHILL YOU DON'T
SLEEP EASY, OFTEN THE EARTH WILL TREMBLE AND ROLL, WHEN THE EARTH
IS RESTLESS, MINERS DIE, BONE AND BLOOD IS THE PRICE OF COAL,
BONE AND BLOOD IS THE PRICE OF COAL. IN THE TOWN OF SPRINGHILL, NOVA
SCOTIA, LATE IN THE YEAR OF 58, DAY STILL COMES AND THE SUN STILL
SHINES, BUT IT'S DARK AS THE GRAVE IN THE CUMBERLAND MINE, DARK
AS THE GRAVE IN THE CUMBERLAND MINE. DOWN AT THE COAL FACE,
MINERS WORKING, RATTLE OF THE BELT AND THE CUTTER'S BLADE, RUMBLE
OF ROCK AND THE WALLS CLOSE 'ROUND, THE LIVING AND THE DEAD MEN
TWO MILES DOWN, THE LIVING AND THE DEAD MEN TWO MILES DOWN.
TWELVE MEN LAY TWO MILES FROM THE PITSHAFT, TWELVE MEN LAY IN THE
DARK AND THEY SANG, LONG HOT DAYS IN THE MINER'S TOMB, IT WAS THREE
FEET HIGH AND A HUNDRED LONG, THREE FEET HIGH AND A HUNDRED LONG.

Submitter comment: THIS SONG WAS TAUGHT TO ME BY A
NEIGHBOR AT A COTTAGE THAT OUR FAMILY ONCE OWNED.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; CLARKS LAKE

Date learned: CA00001965

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THE RISING OF THE MOON

AH THEN TELL ME SEAN O'FARRELL, TELL ME
WHY YOU HURRY SO. HUSH MY BOY, NOW HUSH AND LISTEN, AND HIS EYES
WERE ALL AGLOW. I BEAR ORDERS FROM THE CAPTAIN, GET YE READY QUICK
AND SOON, FOR THE PIKES MUST BE TOGETHER AT THE RISING OF THE MOON.
AH THEN TELL ME SEAN O'FARRELL, WHERE THE GATHERIN' IS TO BE. IN
THE OLD SPOT BY THE RIVER, RIGHT WELL KNOWN TO YOU AND ME. ONE
WORD MORE, A SIGNAL TOKEN, WHISTLE OF THE MARCHING TUNE, WITH YOUR
PIKE UPON YOUR SHOULDER, AT THE RISING OF THE MOON. THERE BESIDE
THE SINGING RIVER, THAT DARK MASS OF MEN WERE SEEN. FAR ABOVE THEIR
SHINING WEAPONS HUNG THEIR OWN IMMORTAL WREATH. DEATH TO EVERY FOE
AND TRAITOR, FORWARD STRIKE THE MARCHING TUNE, AND HURRAH MY BOYS
FOR FREEDOM, 'TIS THE RISING OF THE MOON. HOW WELL THEY FOUGHT FOR
POOR OLD IRELAND, AND FULL BITTER WAS THEIR FATE. OH WHAT GLORIOUS
PRIDE AND SORROW FILLS THE NAME OF '98. YET THANK GOD WHILE HEARTS
ARE BEATING, EACH MAN BEARS A BURNING WOUND. WE WILL FOLLOW IN THEIR
FOOTSTEPS AT THE RISING OF THE MOON.

Submitter comment: THIS SONG WAS TAUGHT TO ME BY MY BROTHER WHO LEARNED IT FROM AN
UNKNOWN SOURCE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS

Date learned: CA03001974

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MY RAMBLIN' BOY

(CHORUS) AND HERE'S TO YOU MY RAMBLIN' BOY,
MAY ALL YOUR RAMBLIN' BRING YOU JOY. AND HERE'S TO YOU MY RAMBLIN'
BOY, MAY ALL YOUR RAMBLIN' BRING YOU JOY. (VERSE) HE WAS A MAN AND A
FRIEND ALWAYS, HE STUCK WITH ME IN THE HARD OLD DAYS. HE NEVER
CARED IF I HAD NO DOUGH, WE RAMBLED 'ROUND IN THE RAIN AND SNOW.
(REPEAT CHORUS) IN TULSA TOWN WE CHANCED TO STRAY, WE THOUGHT WE'D
TRY WORK FOR ONE DAY. THE BOSS SAID HE HAD ROOM FOR ONE. SAYS MY
OLD PAL, "WE'D RATHER BUM." (REPEAT CHORUS) LATE ONE NIGHT IN A
JUNGLE CAMP, THE WEATHER IT WAS COLD AND DAMP. HE GOT THE CHILLS
AND HE GOT THEM BAD. THEY TOOK THE ONLY FRIEND I HAD. (REPEAT
CHORUS) HE LEFT ME HERE TO RAMBLE ON, MY RAMBLIN' PAL, HE'S DEAD
AND GONE. IF WHEN WE DIE, WE GO SOMEWHERE, I'LL BET YOU A DOLLAR
HE'S RAMBLIN' THERE. (REPEAT CHORUS)

Submitter comment: THIS SONG WAS WRITTEN BY TOM PAXTON BUT WAS TAUGHT TO ME BY FOUR
DIFFERENT PEOPLE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS

Date learned: CA03001974

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THE GYPSY DAVY

IT WAS LATE LAST NIGHT WHEN THE BOSS CAME HOME,
INQUIRING FOR HIS LADY, THE WATCHMAN GAVE A SURE REPLY, SHE'S GONE
WITH THE GYPSY DAVY. (CHORUS) RIDA-COMA GYPSY, GYPSY, GYPSY,
RIDA-COMA GYPSY DAVY. GO HITCH ME UP MY OLD GREY HORSE, MY OLD GREY
HORSE SO SPEEDY, I'LL RIDE ALL NIGHT AND I'LL RIDE ALL DAY, AND I'LL
OVERTAKE MY LADY. (CHORUS) IT'S HE CAUGHT UP HIS OLD GREY HORSE,
HIS OLD GREY HORSE SO SPEEDY, HE RODE ALL NIGHT AND HE RODE ALL
DAY AND HE OVERTOOK HIS LADY. (CHORUS) IT'S COME YOU BACK MY
DEAREST DEAR, IT'S COME YOU BACK MY HONEY, IT'S COME YOU BACK MY
DEAREST DEAR, AND YOU SHALL NEVER WORK FOR MONEY. (CHORUS) I WON'T
COME BACK MY DEAREST DEAR, I WON'T COME BACK MY HONEY, I WOULDN'T
GIVE
A KISS FROM MY GYPSY'S LIPS FOR YOU AND ALL YOUR MONEY. (CHORUS)
IT'S GO TAKE OFF THOSE BUCKSKIN GLOVES, MADE OF SPANISH
LEATHER, GIVE TO ME THOSE LILY-WHITE HANDS AND BID FAREWELL FOREVER.
(CHORUS) I WILL PULL OFF MY BUCKSKIN GLOVES MADE OF SPANISH LEATHER
AND GIVE TO YOU MY LILY-WHITE HANDS AND BID FAREWELL FOREVER.
(CHORUS) I ONCE COULD A-HAD MANY FINE THINGS, FEATHER BEDS AND
MONEY, NOW MY BED IS MADE OF HAY, AND THE GYPSIES DANCE AROUND
ME. (CHORUS)

Submitter comment: THE LAST TWO ENTRIES CONCERNING GYPSIES ARE OBVIOUSLY SLANTED AGAINST
THE RULING CLASS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HARPER WOODS

Date learned: CA03001974

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THE GYPSY ROVER

THE GYPSY ROVER CAME OVER THE HILL, DOWN THROUGH
THE VALLEY SO SHADY, HE WHISTLED AND HE SANG 'TILL THE GREEN WOODS
RANG, AND HE WON THE HEART OF A LADY. (CHORUS) AU-DE-DO-AUDEE
DO-DA DAE, (2 TIMES) HE WHISTLED AND HE SANG 'TILL THE GREEN WOODS
RANG, AND HE WON THE HEART OF A LADY. SHE LEFT HER FATHER'S
CASTLE GATE, SHE LEFT HER OWN TRUE LOVER, SHE LEFT HER SERVANTS AND
HER ESTATES, TO FOLLOW THE GYPSY ROVER. (CHORUS) HER FATHER SADDLED
HIS FASTEST STEED, AND SEARCHED THE VALLEY ALL OVER, HE SOUGHT HIS
DAUGHTER AT GREAT SPEED, AND THE WHISTLING GYPSY ROVER. (CHORUS)
AT LAST HE CAME TO A MANSION FINE, DOWN BY THE RIVER CLAYDE, AND
THERE WAS MUSIC AND THERE WAS WINE, FOR THE GYPSY AND HIS LADY.
(CHORUS) HE'S NO GYPSY, MY FATHER, SAID SHE. MY LORD OF FREELANDS
ALL OVER, AND I WILL STAY 'TILL MY DYING DAY, WITH MY GYPSY ROVER.
(CHORUS)

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HARPER WOODS

Date learned: CA03001974

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THE BLACK HAIRED LASS

DOWN IN THE VALLEY THERE DID DWELL, A
COMELY MAID I KNEW SO WELL, FOR HER FAVOR MANY WOULD GO, TO TIP A CUP
OF KINDNESS WITH HER BROTHERS, OH LO LAND LOW. SHE SIPPED WINE WITH
A DELICATE AIR, SHE WAS A FLOWER BEYOND COMPARE, MANY A-LAD WOULD
TIP OF HIS GLASS ALL FOR THE LOVE OF THE BLACK HAIRED LASS.
AND THERE A YOUTH I KNEW HIM WELL, UP ON THE MOUNTAIN HE DID DWELL,
FOR HER FAVOR HE DID GO TO TIP A CUP OF KINDNESS WITH HER BROTHERS,
OH, IN THE LOW LANDS, LOW. (CHORUS) AND BY HIS WAY HER BROTHERS DID
LIE, AND BY THEIR WICKED LADY DIED, AS FOR HER FAVORS HE DID GO,
TO TIP A CUP OF KINDNESS WITH HER BROTHERS, OH IN THE LOW LANDS, LOW.
(CHORUS) WAS IN THE TWILIGHT OF THE YEAR, HIS GHOSTLY FOREHEAD DID
APPEAR, AND FOR HER FAVOR IT WOULD GO, TO TIP A CUP OF KINDNESS
WITH HER BROTHERS, OH IN THE LOW LANDS, LOW. (CHORUS) OH MAIDEN,
MAIDEN, HEAR ME WELL, FALSE HEARTED KINDRED HERE DO DWELL, TAKE
HEED, TAKE HEED OF THOSE WHO GO TO TIP A CUP OF KINDNESS WITH YOUR
BROTHERS, OH, IN THE LOW LANDS, LOW. (CHORUS)

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HARPER WOODS

Date learned: CA03001974

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STAGOLEE

ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE NEARLY MYTHICAL COUNTRY OF
NINETEENTH CENTURY AMERICA, IN THE NEARLY MYTHICAL CITY OF NINETEENTH
CENTURY NEW ORLEANS, THERE LIVED A NEARLY MYTHICAL MAN. HE WAS A
ROBUST AND RANDY, AN INCREDIBLE DANDY BY THE NAME OF ROBERT LEE
WHO MADE HIS LIVING AS A PROFFESIONAL GAMBLER RIDIN' UP AND DOWN
THE MISSISSIPPI ALL DAY ON THOSE BIG HIGH-FILLEY GREASE STERNWHEEL
PADDLEBOATS WHERES YOU COULD DO ALL KINDS OF THINGS ON THE WATER
THAT YOU WEREN'T ABLE TO DO ON THE LAND. NOW THE ONLY DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN ROBERT AND ALL OF HIS FRIENDS AND ALL OF HIS ENEMIES WAS THE
FACT THAT ROBERT WAS SO RICH AND BEAUTIFUL AND ALL THE REST OF THOSE
DUDES WERE SO POOR AND UGLY, WHICH DID NOT DISTURB OUR FRIEND
ROBERT IN THE SLIGHTEST. HE JUST SAT AROUND ALL DAY ON HIS
MISSISSIPPI STEAMBOAT MAKIN' UP NEW CARD TRICKS, DRINKIN' JACK
DANIELS #7 TENNESSEE SOUR MASH WHISKEY AND PINCHING YVONNE AND SUKI
AND DIRTY LIL WHO LIKED TO HANG AROUND ROBERT BECAUSE HE WAS SO RICH
AND BEAUTIFUL AND ALL THE REST OF THEM DUDES WERE SO POOR AND UGLY.
NOW ALL THE REST OF THEM DUDES, THEIR BEIN'S BEIN' HIS FRIENDS AND
HIS ENEMIES BECAME VERY CONCERNED WITH THIS STATE OF AFFAIRS AND THEY
BEGAN TO GLANCE AND SCANTS AND SNEAKY-LIKE AROUND CORNERS AND SAY
STRANGE THINGS LIKE, "GOD-DAMN. HOW COME HE'S SO RICH AND
BEAUTIFUL AND WE'RE SO POOR AND UGLY?" SO AFTER A WHILE, LIKE
MOST MINORITY GROUPS, THEY SET UP A SUB-COMMITTEE, AND THIS ONE
OF COURSE WAS TO STUDY ROBERT'S METHODS. AND THEY DISCOVERED THAT
THE REASON THAT ROBERT WAS SO RICH AND BEAUTIFUL AND THEY WERE SO
POOR AND UGLY WAS THE FACT THAT HE CHEATED. WHICH WASN'T SO
UNUSUAL BECAUSE THEY CHEATED TOO, ONLY HE WAS A BETTER CHEATER THAN
THEY WERE. HE WAS. HE HAD HIM A LITTLE TRICK, YOU SEE, HE COULD
STACK A DECK CLEVER AND SNEAKY-LIKE SNICKETY-SNACK RIGHT THERE
BEFORE YOUR VERY EYES SO YOU GOT ALL THE CRUD AND HE GOT ALL THE GOOD
STUFF. AND HE'D RUN, RUN, RUN, RUN AWAY WITH ALL YOUR MONEY. AND IF
YOU WERE FOOLED ENOUGH AFTER A LONG EVENING OF LOSING TO STAND UP
ACROSS THAT GREEN FELT TABLE AND LOOK AT ROBERT IN THE EYES AND SAY,
"ROBERT, YOU BASTARD: (GULP) ROBERT, YOU'RE A BAD FELLOW. I SAW YOU
CUTTIN' THAT DECK STACKIN' THAT DECK SNEAKETY-SNACK RIGHT THERE
BEFORE MY VERY EYES. YOU GAVE ME ALL THE CRUD, YOU TOOK ALL THE GOOD
STUFF, YOU RUN AWAY WITH ALL MY MONEY, NOW I'M GONNA CALL MY
LAWYER AND HE'SGONNA MESS WITH YOU." WELL ROBERT, HE WOULD JUST STOP,
AND LOOK AT YOU FOR THE LONGEST TIME OUT OF THOSE LITTLE BLUE BEADIES
OF HIS AND SAY SOMETHING EXTREMELY HEAVY LIKE, "GREAT CLOUDS OF
BUGGY DUST, FELLOW. I'M GONNA HIT YOU SO HARD YOU ARE GONNA WHINE
LIKE A TEN PENNY NAIL HIT WITH A GREASY BALL-PEAN HAMMER... THE
ROUND END. I'M GONNA FILL YOUR BEHIND SO FULL OF LEAD YOU ARE GONNA
WALK AROUND LIKE A DUCK FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, AND WHEN YOU
SIT DOWN, YOU ARE GONNA MAKE PENCIL MARKS." AND HE'D HAUL OUT A
44 AS LONG AS YOUR LEG AND SHOOT YA RIGHT IN THE VESTIBULE SO YOU
COULD HARDLY WALK AND YOU FELL DOWN A LOT, AND AFTER AWHILE YOU
JUST CURLED UP AND DIED. WELL, NATURALLY, AFTER ROBERT HAD SPREAD A
CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF MEN ACROSS THE DECKS OF VARIOUS STEAMBOATS
DOWN THERE ON THE MISSISSIPPI, PEOPLE STOPPED DEALING WITH HIM
DIRECTLY AND STARTED DEALING WITH HIM CIRCUMSPECTLY
AND SYMBOLOGICALLY. THEY STARTED CALLING HIM BY WHAT HE DID THE BEST
AND THAT WAS TO STACK THE DECK.THEY STARTED CALLING HIM MEAN OLD,
DIRTY OLD, BAD OLD, ROTTEN OLD, RAUNCHY OLD, OBTUSE OLD STAGOLEE.
EARLY IN THE MORNING, MAMA, I HEARD THE BIG BULLDOG BARK. I
NOTICED STAGOLEE AND BILLY DELION WERE A-BALLIN' AND A-SQUABLIN'
IN THE DARK. WELL STAGOLEE WAS A BIG BAD MAN NOW EVERYBODY KNOWS,
HE SPENT A HUNDRED OF THEM PRETTY GREEN DOLLARS TO BUY HIM A SET
OF FANCY WHORES. WELL DOWN, DOWN IN NEW ORLEANS, A PLACE CALLED
"DELION'S" CLUB, EVERY STEP YOU STEP YOU'RE STEPPING IN BILLY
DELION'S BLOOD. WELL IT WAS DOWN AT DELION'S CLUB 'ROUND THE TABLE ON
A SATURDAY NIGHT, STAGOLEE CHEATED ON BILLY DELION AND THEY HAD 'EM
A GREAT BIG FIGHT. WELL NOW BILLY HE HIT UP OLD STAGOLEE, HE HIT HIM
UP A LEFT AND A RIGHT, STAGOLEE COME UP OFF THE FLOOR WITH BILLY
IN HIS SIGHT. AND BILLY SAID, "OH, MR. STAGOLEE, PLEASE DON'T TAKE
MY LIFE. I'VE GOT FOUR LITTLE CHILDREN AND A BIG FAT UGLY WIFE."
"GOD'LL TAKE CARE OF YOUR CHILDREN, I'LL TAKE CARE OF YOUR WIFE.
YOU STEPPED ON MY STETSON HAT AND NOW I'M BOUND TO TAKE YOUR LIFE,
'CAUSE I'M MEAN, I'M STAGOLEE, I'M THE MEANEST OLD MAN AROUND. IF
YOU SEE ME COMIN' YOU BETTER LAY YOUR DEEDELO, DEEDELO DOWN." IT'S
DOWN, DOWN IN NEW ORLEANS, A PLACE CALLED "DELION'S CLUB", EVERY
STEP YOU STEP YOU'RE STEPPING IN BILLY DELION'S BLOOD.NOW THE JUDGE
SAID TO THE SHERRIFF, "NOW GET ME STAGOLEE DEAD OR ALIVE, AND
WATCH OUT FOR THAT DARRINGER THAT BACKS HIS 45. OR WAS IT A 44? IT'S
BEEN YEARS SINCE I CAN REMEMBER DETAILS LIKE THAT. HAND ME MY GLASSES
SON." WELL STAGOLEE HAD HIM A 44 THAT TALKED A VERY BIG MEAN
SOUND. THE 44 TALKED AT BILLY, LORD, AND BILLY HE HIT THAT GROUND.
YES IT WAS DOWN, DOWN IN NEW ORLEANS, A PLACE CALLED "DELION'S CLUB",
EVERY STEP YOU STEP YOU'RE STEPPING IN BILLY DELION'S BLOOD.
SO THE SHERRIFF SAID TO HIS DEPUTIES, "BOYS, COME AND GO WITH ME.
WE GOTTA CATCH THAT BIG BAD MAN. HIS NAME IS STAGOLEE." THE DEPUTIES
TOOK THEIR PISTOLS, AND LAID THEM UPON THE SHELF. SAID, "IF YOU GONNA
CATCH STAGOLEE, BOOPSY, JUST GO CATCH HIM BY YOURSELF BECAUSE HE'S
EXTREMELY MEAN AND NASTY, HE'S THE MEANEST OLD MAN AROUND. IF WE
HIM COMING, WE'RE GONNA LAY OUR DEEDELO, DEEDELO DOWN." YES IT WAS
DOWN, DOWN IN NEW ORLEANS, A PLACE CALLED "DELION'S CLUB", EVERY STEP
YOU STEP YOU'RE STEPPING IN BILLY DELION'S BLOOD. WELL THEY
ELECTRICUTED STAGOLEE, BUT THEY DID NOT DO SO WELL. HE WRAPPED HIS
NIGHTY ALL AROUND HIM AND HE DRIFTED ON DOWN TO HELL. STAGO LOOKED
AROUND HIM, SAW BILLY DELION AND SUKI AND DIRTY LIL. THEY ALL SHOUTED
"LOOK OUT" , STAGO SAID, "BE STILL ". STAGO LOOKED UP AT THE DEVIL
SAID, "MY FRIENDS, WE'LL ALL KEEP SCORE. YOU POKE ME WITH YOUR
PITCHFORK, BROTHER, AND I'LL BLAST YOU WITH MY 44. HEY DEVIL,
YOU DON'T LIKE THAT GAME, PUT YOUR PITCHFORK ON THE SHELF. MY NAME
IS MEAN OLD STAGOLEE, I'M GONNA RUN THIS PLACE MYSELF. BECAUSE I'M
MEAN STAGOLEE, I'M THE MEANEST OLD MAN AROUND. IF YOU SEE ME COMING
YOU BETTER LAY YOUR DEEDELO, DEEDELO DOWN." WELL, IT'S DOWN, DOWN
IN NEW ORLEANS, A PLACE CALLED "DELION'S CLUB", EVERY STEP YOU STEP
YOU'RE STEPPING IN BILLY DE'LION'S HEMOGLOBINS.

Submitter comment: THE MUSIC AND GENERAL IDEA OF THIS SONG IS TRADITIONAL. HOWEVER,
THE PARTICULAR WORDS OF THIS VERSION ARE ATTRIBUTED TO CHUCK
MITCHELL. THIS SONG HAS BEEN AROUND DETROIT FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS
AND WAS LEARNED IN A TRADITIONAL MANNER.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HARPER WOODS

Date learned: CA03001974

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TOM DOOLEY

HANG YOUR HEAD TOM DOOLEY, HANG YOUR HEAD AND CRY, KILLED POOR LAURA
FOSTER, YOU KNOW YOU'RE GONNA DIE. YOU TOOK HER BY THE HILLSIDE AS
GOD ALMIGHTY KNOWS, YOU TOOK HER BY THE HILLSIDE AND THERE YOU HID
HER CLOTHES. YOU TOOK HER BY THE ROADSIDE WHERE YOU BEGGED TO BE
EXCUSED, YOU TOOK HER BY THE ROADSIDE AND THERE YOU TOOK HER SHOES.
(REFRAIN) (FIRST SENTENCE) WELL PICK UP MY OLD VIOLIN AND PLAY IT
ALL YOU PLEASE, BY THIS TIME TOMORROW IT'LL BE NO GOOD TO ME.
(REFRAIN)
I DUG A HOLE FOUR FEET WIDE, I DUG IT THREE FOOT DEEP, THREW THE
COLD CLAY OVER HER AND TROMPED HER WITH MY FEET.(REFRAIN) WELL PICK
UP MY OLD VIOLIN AND PLAY IT ALL YOU PLEASE, BY THIS TIME TOMORROW
I'LL BE HANGIN' FROM A WIDE OAK TREE. THIS WORLD AND ONE MORE THEN,
WHERE DO YOU RECKON I'D BE? IF IT HADN'T BEEN FOR GRAYSON I'D
A-BEEN IN TENNESSEE. (REFRAIN)

Submitter comment: IT WAS REMARKED BY JEF THAT DOOLEY'S REAL NAME WAS DOLITTLE.
ALSO, THE SONG TAKES PLACE SHORTLY AFTER THE CIVIL WAR. GRAYSON
IS OBVIOUSLY A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OF SOME SORT.

Where learned: DETROIT

Date learned: CA03001974

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SAINT JAMES INFIRMARY BLUES

IT WAS DOWN IN OLD JOE'S BAR ROOM, CORNER
BY THE SQUARE, THE DRINKS WERE SERVED AS USUAL, THE USUAL PEOPLE WERE
THERE. WELL ON MY LEFT STOOD OLD JOHN HENRY, HIS EYES WERE BLOODSHOT
RED, HE TURNED TO THE CROWD ABOVE HIM, THESE WERE THE WORDS HE SAID;
I WENT DOWN TO SAINT JAMES INFIRMARY, SAW MY BABY THERE, ALL LAID
OUT ON A WHITE MARBLE TABLE, SO COLD, SO PALE, SO BARE. WELL I WALKED
OVER TO THE DOCTOR, SHE'S FEELIN' DOWN HE SAID, WALKED BACK OVER TO
MY BABY, MY BABY, MY BABY WAS DEAD. WELL LET HER GO, LET HER GO
GOD BLESS HER, WHEREVER SHE MAY BE, I KNOW I'LL NEVER FIND ANOTHER
LIKE HER, THERE'LL NEVER BE ANOTHER FOR ME. WELL NOW YOU'VE HEARD
MY STORY, I'LL TAKE ANOTHER SHOT OF BOOZE, ANYONE SHOULD WANT TO ASK
YOU. I GOT THE SAINT JAMES INFIRMARY BLUES."

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HARPER WOODS

Date learned: CA03001974

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SIX NIGHTS DRUNK

I CAME HOME THE OTHER NIGHT AS DRUNK AS I COULD BE, AND I
SAW A HORSE IN THE STABLE WHERE MY HORSE OUGHT TO BE. SO I SAID TO
MY WIFE, MY PRETTY LITTLE WIFE, "WON'T YOU TELL ME PLEASE,, WHAT'S
THIS HORSE A'DOIN' WHERE MY HORSE OUGHT TO BE?" SHE SAID, "YOU
BLIND FOOL, YOU DRUNKEN FOOL, CAN'T YOU NEVER SEE? THAT'S
NOTHIN' BUT A MILKCOW YOUR MOTHER GAVE TO ME." WELL I'VE
TRAVELED THIS WIDE WORLD OVER AND SOME MIGHTY STRANGE THINGS I'VE
SAW, BUT A SADDLE ON A MILK COW I AIN'T NEVER SEEN BEFORE.
I CAME HOME THE OTHER NIGHT AS DRUNK AS I COULD BE, AND I SAW A
HAT ON THE TABLE WHERE MY HAT OUGHT TO BE. SO I SAID TO MY WIFE,
MY PRETTY LITTLE WIFE, "WON'T YOU TELL ME PLEASE, WHAT'S THIS HAT
A'DOIN' WHERE MY HAT OUGHT TO BE?" SHE SAID, "YOU BLIND FOOL, YOU
DRUNKEN FOOL, AIN'T IT PLAIN TO SEE, THAT'S NOTHING BUT A
CHAMBER POT YOUR MOTHER GIVE TO ME. WELL I'VE TRAVELED THIS WIDE
WORLD OVER, AND SOME CRAZY THINGS I'VE SAW, BUT A CHAMBER POT MARKED
7 AND 3/4 I AIN'T NEVER SEEN BEFORE. I CAME HOME THE OTHER NIGHT
AS DRUNK AS I COULD BE, AND I SAW SOME PANTS ON THE BEDPOST WHERE
MY PANTS OUGHT TO BE. SO I SAID TO MY WIFE, MY PRETTY LITTLE
WIFE, "WON'T YOU TELL ME PLEASE? WHAT'S THESE PANTS A'DOIN' WHERE
MY PANTS OUGHT TO BE?" SHE SAID, "YOU BLIND FOOL, YOU DRUNKEN FOOL,
CAN'T YOU NEVER SEE? IT'S NOTHING BUT A TABLE CLOTH YOUR MOTHER
GIVE TO ME." WELL I'VE TRAVELLED THIS WIDE WORLD OVER AND SOME
CRAZY THINGS I'VE SAW, BUT A TABLE CLOTH WITH A ZIPPER I AIN'T
NEVER SEEN BEFORE. I CAME HOME THE OTHER NIGHT AS DRUNK AS I COULD
BE, AND I SAW A HEAD ON MY PILLOW WHERE MY HEAD OUGHT TO BE. SO I
SAID TO MY WIFE, MY PRETTY LITTLE WIFE, "WON'T YOU TELL ME PLEASE,
WHAT'S THIS HEAD A'DOIN' WHERE MY HEAD OUGHT TO BE?" SHE SAID,
"YOU BLIND FOOL, YOU DRUNKEN FOOL, AIN'T IT PLAIN TO SEE? THAT'S
NOTHING BUT A CABBAGE HEAD YOUR MOTHER GIVE TO ME." WELL I'VE
TRAVELLED THIS WIDE WORLD OVER AND SOME MIGHTY CRAZY THINGS I'VE SAW,
BUT A CABBAGE HEAD WITH A MUSTACHE I AIN'T NEVER SEEN BEFORE. I
CAME HOME THE OTHER NIGHT AS DRUNK AS I COULD BE, AND I SAW AN ASS
ON MY MATTRESS WHERE MY ASS OUGHT TO BE. SO I SAID TO MY WIFE, MY
PRETTY LITTLE WIFE, "NOW WON'T YOU TELL ME PLEASE? WHAT'S THIS ASS
A'DOIN' WHERE MY ASS OUGHT TO BE?" SHE SAID, "YOU BLIND FOOL, YOU
DRUNKEN FOOL, AIN'T IT PLAIN TO SEE? THAT'S NOTHING BUT A PUMPKIN
YOUR MOTHER GIVE TO ME." WELL, I'VE TRAVELLED THIS WIDE WORLD OVER
SOME CRAZY THINGS I'VE SAW, BUT A PUMPKIN WITH AN ASS-HOLE I AIN'T
NEVER SEEN BEFORE. I CAME HOME THE OTHER NIGHT AS DRUNK AS I COULD
BE, AND I SAW A COCK A'LAYIN' WHERE MY COCK OUGHT TO BE. SO I SAID
TO MY WIFE, MY PRETTY LITTLE WIFE, "WON'T YOU TELL ME PLEASE? WHAT'S
THIS COCK A'DOIN' WHERE MY COCK OUGHT TO BE?" SHE SAID, "YOU BLIND
FOOL, YOU DRUNKEN FOOL, AIN'T IT PLAIN TO SEE? THAT'S NOTHING BUT A
CANDLE STICK YOUR MOTHER GIVE TO ME. WELL I'VE TRAVELLED THIS WIDE
WORLD OVER AND SOME CRAZY THINGS I'VE SAW, BUT A CANDLE STICK WITH
BOLLOCHS I AIN'T NEVER SEEN BEFORE.

Submitter comment: USUALLY ONLY FIVE VERSES ARE SUNG IN PUBLIC.

Where learned: DETROIT

Date learned: CA03001974

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LULLABY

NOW THE MOON SLEEPS AND THE STARS ARE SLEEPING. THEY TIRED
MY LITTLE DOLL. CLOSE YOUR LITTLE EYES AND LAY DOWN YOUR
LITTLE HEAD AND I WILL TELL YOU A TALE. THERE WAS A KING,
THERE WAS A "PAZ" , AND THERE WAS ALSO A QUEEN.
THEY LIVED IN THE MIDDLE OF A ROSE GARDEN, DID NOT KNOW STORMY
WEATHER, AND EVERYONE KNEW ABOUT IT.
THEN A TERRIBLE LOSS, A SUDDEN DEATH, CAME UPON THEM.
THE KING WAS EATEN BY THE DOG, THE "PAZ" WAS
EATEN BY THE CAT, THE QUEEN, THE MOUSE HAD EATEN. BUT SO THAT
YOU WILL NOT BE SAD MY DEAREST LITTLE DOLL, FROM SUGAR WAS MADE
THE KING, FROM CHOCOLATE THE "PAZ", AND THE QUEEN
"Z MARCEPANA."

Submitter comment: "Z MARCEPANA" IS A TYPE OF CAKE WHICH THE
QUEEN WAS MADE OF.
THE INFORMANT DID NOT KNOW WHAT KIND IT EXACTLY WAS.
THIS IS A TRANSLATION OF THE LULLABY LEARNED IN POLAND.
THIS IS TRANSLATED FROM POLISH

James Callow comment: MARZIPAN IS A CONFECTION MADE FROM ALMOND PASTE AND
CK[ EGG WHITE AND SUGAR. PAC

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; POLAND ; Sterling Heights ; GOWARCZOW

James Callow Keyword(s): EGG WHITE AND SUGAR. PAC

Date learned: 11-00-1973

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NARRATIVE SONGS

MISS SUZY HAD A BABY NAMED TINY TIM. SHE PUT HIM IN THE
BATHTUB TO SEE IF HE COULD SWIM. HE DRANK UP ALL THE WATER,
HE ATE UP ALL THE SOAP, HE TRIED TO SWALLOW UP THE BATHTUB
BUT IT WOULDN'T FIT DOWN HIS THROAT. MISS SUZY CALLED THE
DOCTOR, THE DOCTOR CALLED THE NURSE, THE NURSE CALLED THE
LADY WITH THE ALLIGATOR PURSE. IN CAME THE DOCTOR, IN CAME
THE NURSE, IN CAME THE LADY WITH THE ALLIGATOR PURSE.
" CHICKEN POX," SAID THE DOCTOR, "FLU,"
SAID THE NURSE, "MEASLES," SAID THE
LADY WITH THE ALLIGATOR PURSE.

Submitter comment: THIS WAS LEARNED IN DETROIT

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; Sterling Heights

Date learned: 11-00-1973

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SONG

TWAS ON A MONDAY MORNING
WHEN I FIRST SAW MY DARLING
A HANGING OUT THE FAMILY CLOTHES,
A HANGING OUT THE CLOTHES.

TWAS ON A TUESDAY MORNING
WHEN I FIRST SAW MY DARLING
A TAKING IN THE FAMILY CLOTHES.
A TAKING IN THE FAMILY CLOTHES.

WEDNESDAY: FOLDING UP THE CLOTHES.
THURSDAY: IRONING OUT THE CLOTHES.
FRIDAY: MENDING OF THE CLOTHES.
SATURDAY: PUTTING AWAY THE CLOTHES.
SUNDAY: " TWAS ON A SUNDAY MORNING,
WHEN ALL THE FAMILY WENT TO CHURCH.
A-WEARING THEIR SUNDAY CLOTHES,
A-WEARING THEIR SUNDAY CLOTHES.

Data entry tech comment: SEE AARNE-THOMPSON TALE TYPE 2012D

Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT

Keyword(s): CHAIN SONG

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SONG

I STUCK MY HEAD IN A LITTLE SKUNK'S HOLE,
THE LITTLE SKUNK SAID, "WELL BLESS MY SOUL,
TAKE IT OUT, TAKE IT OUT, REMOVE IT."
I DIDN'T TAKE IT OUT SO THE LITTLE SKUNK SAID,
"IF YOU DON'T TAKE IT OUT YOU'LL WISH YOU WERE DEAD,
TAKE IT OUT, TAKE IT OUT, REMOVE IT."
"PSSSSSS - I REMOVEED IT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; 17287 GREENVIEW

Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR

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THE BEAR WENT OVER THE MOUNTAIN

THE BEAR WENT OVER THE MOUNTAIN,
THE BEAR WENT OVER THE MOUNTAIN
THE BEAR WENT OVER THE MOUNTAIN
TO SEE WHAT HE COULD SEE.
" " " " " " "
" " " " " " "
THE BEAR WENT OVER THE MOUNTAIN
TO SEE WHAT HE COULD SEE.

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN ( 3 TIMES )
WAS ALL THAT HE COULD SEE ( 3 TIMES )
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN
WAS ALL THAT HE COULD SEE

Where learned: DETROIT

Keyword(s): ANTICLIMAX

Date learned: 03-00-1968

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CHILDREN'S SONG

DID YOU EVER TAKE A WALK ON A HOT SUMMER DAY
DOWN BY THE RIVER JUST TO PASS THE TIME AWAY?
PUT YOUR HANDS IN YOUR POCKET AND YOUR
POCKETS IN YOUR PANTS, AND WATCH THE LITTLE
FISHEES DO THE HOOTCHIE-HOOTCHIE DANCE.
OH AN OLD CROW FLEW IN A COUNTRY STORE
AND HE PTTTT ON THE COUNTER AND HE PTTTT ON THE
FLOOR, AND HE PTTTT IN THE COFFEE AND HE PTTTT IN
THE TEA. AND IF I HADNA' RUN, HE'D A PTTTT ON ME.
IF FROGS HAD WINGS AND TOADS HAD HAIR
AUTOMOBILES COULD FLY IN THE AIR. IF PUMPKINS
GREW ON WATERMELON VINES, YOU OUGHTA HAVE
SNOW IN THE SUMMERTIME.

PTTTT-DA-DEE-YA-DA-PTTT-DING

Where learned: DEARBORN ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED

Keyword(s): BIRD DUNG ; LUBBERLAND ; MARVELS ; ONOMATOPOEIA

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CROCODILE SONG

THEY SAILED A WAY A SUNNY SUMMER DAY
ON THE BACK OF A CROCODILE.
" YOU SEE, " SAID SHE, " HE'S AS TAME AS HE CAN BE
I'LL FLOAT HIM DOWN THE NILE. "
THE CROCK WINKED HIS EYE AS SHE WAVED THEM ALL GOOD-BYE
WEARING A HAPPY SMILE.
AT THE END OF THE RIDE, THE LADY WAS INSIDE AND THE
SMILE ON THE CROCODILE.

Submitter comment: SONG WHICH IS SUNG BY MANY SMALL CHILDREN.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): EUPHEMISM, INDIRECTION

Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR.

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JESUS MET THE WOMAN

JESUS MET THE WOMAN AT THE WELL (3 TIMES)
AND HE TOLD HER EVERYTHING SHE'D EVER DONE.

HE SAID, "WOMAN, WOMAN, WHERE IS YOUR HUSBAND? (3 TIMES)
I KNOW EVERYTHING YOU'VE EVER DONE."

AND SHE SAID, "JESUS, JESUS, I AIN'T GOT NO HUSBAND. (3 TIMES)
AND YOU DON'T KNOW EVERYTHING I'VE EVER DONE."

HE SAID, "WOMAN, WOMAN, YOU'VE GOT FIVE HUSBANDS. (3 TIMES)
AND THE ONE YOU'VE GOT NOW HE AIN'T YOUR OWN."

SHE SAID, "THIS MAN, THIS MAN, MUST BE A PROPHET. (3 TIMES)
HE DONE TOLD ME EVERYTHING I'VE EVER DONE."

JESUS MET THE WOMAN AT THE WELL (3 TIMES)
AND HE TOLD HER EVERYTHING SHE'D EVER DONE.

Data entry tech comment: (LIKE THE MAID + THE PALMER" -
CHILD 21)
CHILD BALLAD 21)

Where learned: BIRMINGHAM ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED

Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR

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The Wreck of the Asia

Loud raged the dreadful tumult,
And stormy was the day,
When the Asia left the harbour,
To cross the Georgian Bay.

One hundred souls she had on board,
Likewise a costly store;
But on this trip, this gallant ship
Did sink to rise no more.

With three and thirty shanty men
So handsome, stout and brave,
Were bound for Collin's Inlet
But found a watery grave.

Of all the souls she had on board,
Two only are alive;
Miss Morrison and Tinkiss,
Who only did survive.

Miss Morrison and Tinkiss,
Their names I'll ne'er forget,
Protected by a lifeboat
Which five times did upset.

. . .

The cabin boy next passed away,
So young, so true, so brave;
His parents weep while his body sleeps
In Georgian's watery grave.

And likewise Billy Christie,
With his newly wedded bride,
Were bound for Manitoulin
Where the parents did reside.

"Oh, had we only left this boat,
Last eve at Owen Sound!
Oh Willie dear, why came you here
To in these waters drown?"

. . .

The men cried, "Save the captain,"
As the waters round him raged;
"Oh, no," cried he, "Ne'er think of me
Till all on board [are] saved."

. . .

Around each family circle,
How sad the news to hear,
The foundering of the Asia
Left sounding in each ear.

Submitter comment:

This ballad, inspired by the sinking of the Asia in 1882, was printed anonymously in a local newspaper, and sung for years thereafter by sailing crews (Ratigan). The dots indicate where the author apparently has omitted verses.

Data entry tech comment:

From William Ratigan's "Great Lakes Shipwrecks and Survivals," p. 89.

Where learned: Great Lakes Shipwrecks and Survivals

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Sippin' Cider Thru a Straw

I saw a boy, the cutest boy you ever did see
Sipping cider thru a straw. . .
He asked me if
I'd like to sip
Some cider thru a straw. . .
The straw did slip
And I kissed his lip
Sipping cider thru a straw.
Now I love a mother in law
And fifteen kids all call me Maw
From sipping cider thru a straw.
The moral of this story is--
To sip some cider thru a pail.

Data entry tech comment:

Informant and collector are the same person.
 

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; HOLDEN HALL ; DETROIT

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