Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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SIGMA-RATION
SIGMA, SIGMA, SIGMA,-RATION
(DA-DA-DA-DA)
WE'RE THE BEST IN ALL THE NATION,
(DA-DA-DA-DA)
WE HAVE EARNED A REPUTATION
(DA-DA-DA-DA)
WE CREATE AN ADMIRATION
(DA-DA-DA-DA)
WE ARE
(DA-DA-DA-DA)
TRI SIGMA
(DA-DA-DA-DA)
WE ARE SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA
GO, GO, GO, GO,...
REPEAT: SIGMA, SIGMA, SIGMA-RATION...
Submitter comment:
SONG OF SIGMA TRI:
BETA TAU CHAPTER
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FEMININE RHYME ; SORORITY OR FRATERNITY SONG
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Admiration Praise Adulation Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Social reunion |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR.
I'VE BEEN WORKING ON THE RAILROAD
WE'VE BEEN WORKING ON THIS PLEDGE SONG,
ALL THE LIVE LONG DAY,
WE'VE BEEN WORKING ON THIS PLEDGE SONG,
AND WE HOPE IT IS O.K.
CAN'T YOU SEE OUR KNEE'S A-KNOCKING
WE'RE NOT COMPOSED AS WE SEEM,
CAN'T YOU HEAR OUR HEARTS A-SHOUTING
TRI SIGMA SUPREME}
Submitter comment: SONG OF SIGMA TRI BETA TAU CHAPTER
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): SORORITY OR FRATERNITY SONG
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Work Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Social reunion |
ADAM SONG
CHORUS
THE S STANDS FOR SIGMA, THE P FOR P-I, PI.
THE S STANDS FOR SIGMA, THE P FOR P-I, PI.
AND IF YOU LOOK AROUND YOU, OR GAZE INTO THE SKY.
YOU WILL SEE THAT NAUGHT IS WRITTEN, BUT THE NAME OF SIGMA PI.
ADAM WAS THE FIRST MAN TO WEAR A SIG PI PIN,
NOAH WAS THE SECOND, THEY HAD TO LET HIM IN,
MOSES WAS THE THIRD ONE, WE HAD A LOT OF FUN,
WHEN JULIUS CAESAR CAME ALONG, THEY PLEDGED THE SON OF A GUN.
CHORUS
HE RAMBLED DOWN TO U. OF D., HE THOUGHT HE'D JOIN A FRAT,
HE THOUGHT HE'D TAKE A LOOK AROUND TO SEE WHERE HE WAS AT.
BECAUSE HE WAS A FELLOW WE KNEW HE'D BE ALL RIGHT,
THE COLORS THAT HE WORE NEXT DAY WERE LAVENDER AND WHITE.
CHORUS
HE RAMBLED DOWN TO U OF D., HE THOUGHT HE'D JOIN A FRAT,
HE THOUGHT HE'D TAKE A LOOK AROUND TO SEE WHERE HE WAS AT.
BECAUSE HE WAS A FELLOW WE KNEW HE': BE ALL RIGHT,
THE COLORS THAT HE WORE NEXT DAY WERE LAVENDER AND WHITE.
CHORUS
HE RAMBLED UP TO HEAVEN TO SEE WHO ALL WAS THERE,
HE FOUND A BUNCH A-HANGING AROUND THE FOOT OF THE GOLDEN STAIRS,
SOME WERE SMOKING CIGARETTES, THEY ALL WERE FEELING HIGH,
THEY ALL WERE DAMN GOOD FRIENDS OF HIS, THEY ALL WERE SIGMA PI'S.
CHORUS
HE RAMBLED DOWN TO HADES TO SEE THE POOR LOST SOULS,
HE FOUND A BUNCH OF THETA XI'S A-ROASTING ON THE COALS,
FOR THE TEKES AMD THEATA TAUS THE SIZZLE HAD BEGUN,
WHILE SIGMA PI'S IN VELVET CHAIRS WERE WATCHING ALL THE FUN.
CHORUS
THEN IN CAME OLD BEELZEBUB, OF HELL HE WAS THE KING;
AND ALL THE LITTLE IMPS CAME IN AND THEY BEGAN TO SING.
THEY SAW THE GANG GIVE HIM A GRIP, AND THEN THEY HEARD THE CRY.
THAT HE'S A CHARTER MENBER AND A DAMN GOOD SIGMA PI.
CHORUS
NOW DON'T BE DISCONCERTED IF YOU MISS THE NARROW PATH.
OR IF YOU FLUNK YOUR MORALS LIKE YOU USED TO FLUNK YOUR MATH,
AND DON'T BE DISCONCERTED WHEN YOU HEAR THE FUNERAL KNELL,
FOR WE HAVE A STRONG ALUMNI IN THE VERY DEPTHS OF HELL.
CHORUS
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; DORM ROOM
Keyword(s): BIBLICAL FIGURES ; FRATERNITY SONG
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Social reunion Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Religious |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR.
OH SIGMA PI (TUNE: DANNY BOY)
OH SIGMA PI, THE MEN THE MEN ARE SHOWING
FROM HOUSE TO HALL AND O'RE THE CAMPUS WIDE
BUT SOME ARE GONE AND MANY MORE ARE GOING
TIS SAD, TIS SAD THAT SOME MUST STAND ASIDE.
BUT THEY'LL COME BACK WHEN BROTHERS MEET AGAIN,
OR WHEN THERE'S WAR, WE'LL GATHER TEN TIMES TEN,
WE'LL ALL BE THERE IN SUNSHINE OR IN SHADOW
OH SIGMA PI, OH SIGMA PI I LOVE YOU SO.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; UNION
Keyword(s): FRATERNITY SONG
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Social reunion Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- War cries |
Date learned: 03-22-1968
RIDDLE
WHAT'S ROUND ON THE ENDS AND HIGH IN THE MIDDLE?
OHIO
Where learned: UNKNOWN
Keyword(s): SPELLING STATE LETTER SHAPE
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- Riddle Question |
Date learned: 11-29-1967
RIDDLE
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LBJ AND LSD?
ONE'S A DOPE AND ONE'S A DRUG.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
Keyword(s): JOHNSON, LYNDON B. ; UNITED STATES PRESIDENT
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- Riddle Question |
Date learned: 10-25-1967
PROVERB
HE WHO POSSESSES A CONTENTED MIND POSSESSES ALL THINGS.
Where learned: HOME ; WARREN ; TOLD AT
Keyword(s): CONTENTMENT ; OVERSTATEMENT
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor |
Date learned: 03-07-1970
PROVERB
HE WHO SMILES CARRIES THE SUN.
Where learned: MACKENZIE HIGH SCHOOL
Keyword(s): OVERSTATEMENT
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor |
VOCABULARY
HOP, SKIP AND A JUMP.
Submitter comment: THESE ARE SAYIGS THAT DENOTE DISTANCES BY THE SOUTHERN PEOPLE.)
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
Keyword(s): UNDERSTATEMENT
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Phrase |
Date learned: 02-17-1970
CAUSE OF ILLNESS
IF YOU EAT TOO MANY STRWBERRIES,
YOU WILL GET A STRAWBERRY MARK ON YOUR NECK.
Where learned: OHIO ; NORTH OLMSTED
Keyword(s): FOOD ; PUNISHMENT FOR IMMODERATE EATING. ; STRAWBERRY ; SUPERSTITION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses Specific distinguishing characteristic Dimple, wart, mole, scar, freckle, birthmark, strawberry mark, bruise, spot (on any part of body) |
Date learned: 00-00-1960
LIMERICK
THERE WAS A YOUNG MAN OF SPOKANE
WHOSE VERSES WOULD NEVER SCAN.
WHEN TOLD THIS WAS SO,
HE SAID "YES, I KNOW,
BUT I ALWAYS TRY TO GET AS MANY WORDS IN THE LAST
LINE AS I CAN."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): ALEXANDRINE FOR HUMOR ; POET ; PROSODY ; RHYME DICTATES PRONUNCIATION OF PLACE NAME ; RHYME: AABBA
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Narrative Verse |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR.
TO KEEP GHOSTS AWAY
TO KEEP YOURSELF FREE FROM GHOSTS PEE IN A CIRCLE AND STAND
IN THE CENTER. THE GHOST WILL NOT COME INSIDE THE CIRCLE
AFTER YOU.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT
Keyword(s): GHOST ; SUPERSTITION ; SYMBOL ; URINATE ; Ward
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter |
Date learned: 03-05-1971
SUPERSTITION
IF YOU MOVE INTO A BRAND NEW HOUSE, THERE WILL BE A DRASTIC CHANGE
IN THE FAMILY (BIRTH, DEATH, MARRIAGE).
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): OMEN ASSOCIATED WITH NEWNESS.
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Number |
Date learned: 00-00-1963
POEM
LITTLE MARY DRANK SOME WATER/
NOW SHE IS NO MORE./FOR WHAT SHE TOOK FOR H2O WAS H2SO4
Submitter comment:
SHE GAVE ME THIS LITTLE DITTY, QUITE A POPULAR WAY TO
REMEMBER THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THEM.
Where learned: NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
Keyword(s): EUPHEMISM ; FUNCTION ; WATER AND SULPHURIC ACID
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Narrative Verse |
Date learned: NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
KING KAHMAI MAI
IN HAWAII, ON THE ISLAND OF PAUI, THERE IS AN UPSIDE DOWN WATERFALL,
AND THIS IS CAUSED BY THE TRADEWINDS, WHICH PUSH THE FALLING WATERS
UPWARD. THE LEGEND BEHIND THIS DEALS WITH KING KAHMAI MAI, WHO WAS
KING OF THE ISLAND MANY YEARS AGO. IT IS SAID THAT HE DROVE ALL THE
PAGANS OFF THE ISLAND, AND THOSE THAT DID NOT LEAVE WERE SACRIFICED
TO THE GODS BY BEING PUSHED OFF THIS WATERFALL. WHEN ALL OF THE
PAGANS HAD LEFT THE ISLAND, THE KING VOWED THAT NO OTHER MAN WOULD
BE ABLE TO DIE BY JUMPING OFF THIS WATERFALL. UP TO THIS DAY THERE
HAS BEEN NOBODY KILLED FROM JUMPING OFF THE WATERFALL BECAUSE OF THE
STRONG TRADEWINDS, AND THEY SAY THAT THE TRADEWIND IS ACTUALLY
KING KAHMAI MAI FULFILLING HIS PROMISE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; A&P FOOD STORE
Keyword(s): DEAD KING RETURNS AS WIND TO PREVENT SUICIDE FROM WATERFALL.
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter PROSE NARRATIVE -- Running water |
Date learned: 04-03-1970
THE WHITE LADY
ON THE NIGHT OF JULY 7 1967, MY GIRLFRIEND AND I WENT FOR A RIDE
THROUGH BELLE-ISLE PARK DETROIT MICHIGAN. AS I TURNED LEFT ON
WILDWOOD DRIVE
I DECIDED TO PARK THE CAR THE STREET BEING DARK AND QUIET. ABOUT
1/2 HOUR LATER I LIT UP A CIGARETTE, THROWING THE MATCH OUT THE
WINDOW I WAS SHOCKED AT THE SIGHT OF A TALL, SLENDER PERSON
STANDING ABOUT 12' FROM MY CAR. THE FIGURE WAS DRESSED IN A
WHITE CAPE-LIKE GOWN WHICH SEEMED TO BLOW FROM THE BREEZE.
I DID'NT WAIT AROUND TO ASK QUESTIONS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS
Keyword(s): MEMORATE
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Supernatural Being |
Date learned: NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR.
CHRISTMAS
ON CHRISTMAS EVE, THE FATHER OF THE HOUSEHOLD PLACES A SCYTHE
UNDER THE TABLE AND COVERS IT WITH HAY. (THIS IS A SYMBOL OF HIS
WORK DURING THAT YEAR).
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT LEARNED THIS FROM PARENTS IN UKRAINE.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector share same surname.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): MATERIAL CULTURE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw |
Date learned: 11-19-1967
WATER NOT DRUNK AT CHRISTMAS
IN UKRAINE, IT IS BELIEVED THAT IF YOU DRINK WATER DURING CHRISTMAS
SUPPER, THERE WILL BE A VERY HOT SUMMER, AND GREAT THIRST WHILE
WORKING IN THE FIELDS.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT LEARNED THIS FROM RELATIVES IN UKRAINE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM WATER ; FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Predictions CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Single dishes |
Date learned: 11-19-1967
NURSERY RHYME
AS I WALKED BY MYSELF AND TALKED TO MYSELF
MYSELF SAID UNTO ME, LOOK TO THYSELF, TAKE CARE OF THYSELF,
FOR NOBODY CARES FOR THEE. I ANSWERED MYSELF,
AND SAID TO MYSELF IN THE SAME REPARTEE, LOOK TO THYSELF,
OR NOT TO THYSELF, THE SELF-SAME THING WILL BE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): FATE ; MONOLOGUE AS DIALOGUE
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Lyrical Verse Lyrical Verse BELIEF -- Fate Destiny Luck Chance |
Date learned: 00-00-1964
GAME
THE OBJECT OF THIS THINKING GAME IS TO GUESS WHY TILLY WILLIS
LIKES CERTAIN THINGS AND NOT OTHERS. THE PERSON WHO IS EXPLAINING
THE GAME BEGINS BY SAYING, TILLY WILLIS IS ODD AND QUEER BUT NOT
PECULISR. SHE LOVES APPLES BUT HATES PEACHES.
SHE LOVES GREEN BUT SHE HATES RED. THE PERSON CONTINUES TO
GIVE LOVE AND HATE EXAMPLES UNTIL ONE OF THE PLAYERS
RESPONDS WITH WHAT HE THINKS TILLY WILLIS LOVES OR HATES.
THE CLUE TO THE GAME IS IN THE OPENING LINE.
TILLY WILLIS ODD AND QUEER ARE ALL WORDS CONTAINING DOUBLE LETTERS.
THE PLAYER WHO GUESSES THAT TILLY LOVES EVERYTHING
SPELLED WITH A DOUBLE LETTER, IS THE WINNER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
James Callow Keyword(s): ALTERNATE TITLE: THE QUEEN ; SPELLING
| Subject headings: | Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Mental Activity |
Date learned: 00-00-1965