Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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EXPECTANT MOTHERS
HERE ARE SOME BELIEFS ON THIS SUBJECT: IF YOU CARRY A BABY LOW,
IT IS A GIRL. IF YOU CARRY A BABY HIGH, IT IS A BOY.
DANGLE A PIN FROM A STRING, IF IT SWINGS IN A CIRCLE, ITS A GIRL;
IF IT SWINGS IN A STRAIGHT LINE, IT IS A BOY.
IF A PREGNANT WOMAN CRAVES SOMETHING, THE BABY, WHEN BORN, WILL
CRAVE IT ALSO.
IF YOU ARE SCARED OR AFRAID OF SOMETHING, THE BABY WILL BE MARKED.
IF YOU EAT STRAWBERRIES WHEN PREGNANT, YOUR BABY WILL HAVE A
STRAWBERRY MARK ON HIS FACE.
Submitter comment:
IT SEEMS THERE ARE ALOT OF THESE KIND OF FACTS TO KEEP PREGNANT WOMEN
AWARE OF WHAT THEY EAT AND DO.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): ANAPEL
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses Head, physiognomy, face BELIEF -- Birth |
Date learned: 02-00-1974
FROGS
THE FIRST TIME YOU HEAR A FROG AT THE END OF WINTER, IT WILL GET
COLD AGAIN. THIS HAPPENS THREE TIMES BEFORE SPRING COMES.
Submitter comment:
THIS BELIEF IS SIMILAR TO THE ONE THAT A GROUNDHOG MUST SEE HIS
SHADOW BEFORE SPRING COMES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): ANIMAL AMPHIBIAN
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple BELIEF -- Moon BELIEF -- Weather sign or control BELIEF -- P663 |
Date learned: 02-00-1974
THE NIGHTINGALE
EARLY ONE MORNING, ONE MORNING IN SPRING,
TO HEAR THE BIRDS WHISTLE, THE NIGHTINGGALE SING, I MET A FAIR
MAIDEN WHO SWEETLY DID SING, "I'M GOING TO BE MARRIED NEXT MONDAY
MORNING. HOW OLD ARE YOU MY FAIR YOUNG MAID, HERE IN THIS VALLEY,
THIS VALLEY SO GREEN? HOW OLD ARE YOU MY FAIR YOUNG MAID? "I'M
GOING TO BE 16 NEXT MONDAY MORNING." WELL 16 YEARS OLD, THAT'S TOO
YOUNG FOR TO MARRY, SO TAKE MY ADVICE, FIVE YEARS LONGER TO TARRY,
FOR MARRAIGE BRINGS SORROWS AND TROUBLES BEGIN, SO PUT OFF YOUR
WEDDING FOR MONDAY MORNING. YOU TALK LIKE A MADMAN, A MAN WITH NO
SKILL. FIVE YEARS I HAVE WAITED AGAINST MY OWN WILL, AND NOW I'M
DETERMINED TO HAVE MY OWN WAY, AND I'M GOING TO BE MARRIED NEXT
MONDAY MORNING. NEXT MONDAY MORNING, THE BELLS THEY WILL RING,
MY TRUE LOVE WILL BUY ME A GAY GOLDEN RING. ALSO HE'LL BUY ME A
PRETTY NEW GOWN, TO WEAR AT MY WEDDING NEXT MONDAY MORNING.
NEXT MONDAY NIGHT WHEN I GO TO MY BED, I'LL TURN 'ROUND TO THE MAN
THAT I'VE WED. AROUND HIS MIDDLE MY ARMS THEY WILL FLING, OH I
WISH TO MY SOUL IT WAS MONDAY MORNING.
Submitter comment:
THIS SONG WAS ARRANGED BY PAUL STOOKEKY, BUT THE WORDS ARE STILL
THE SAME.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS
James Callow Keyword(s): PAUL STOOKEY OF THE GROUP "PETER, PAUL & MARY?"
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Song Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Song |
Date learned: CA03001974
POETIC VERSE WITHOUT MUSIC
OH COME ALL YE BEATNICKS
AND LISTEN TO ME
DON'T PLAY YOUR GUITARS
UP IN THE TREE.
FOR THE BIRDS THEY WILL HEAR YOU,
AMD PECK OUT YOUR EYES
AND THEN THEY'LL DRIVE BLIND YOU
FROM UP IN THE SKIES.
YOU'LL TRY TO FIGHT THEM
BUT ALL IN VAIN
YOU'LL FALL TO THE GROUND
SCREAMING IN PAIN.
THE WOLF HE WILL SEE YOU,
AND POUNCE ON YOUR BACK
HE'LL SINK HIS TEETH IN YOU,
AND HOWL FOR THE PACK
THE PACK THEY WILL EAT YOU,
AND THEN THEY'LL GET SICK,
FOR NOTHING CAN STAND
TO EAT A BEATNICK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; RESIDENCE HALLS
James Callow Keyword(s): SONG PARODY
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- C700A |
Date learned: 00001950S AND 00001960S
VERSE WITHOUT MUSIC
EARLY TO BED,
EARLY TO RISE,
AND YOUR GIRL
GOES OUT WITH OTHER GUYS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; RESIDENCE HALLS
James Callow Keyword(s): PARODY
| Subject headings: | 730 Lyrical Verse |
Date learned: 00001950S AND 00001960S
CUSTOM
PUT A MONEY STEALER IN YOUR POCKET,
AND IT WILL STEAL YOUR CHANGE.
(A MONEY STEALER IS A TYPE OF POLLEN FLYING THROUGH THE AIR)
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; NEW JERSEY ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; ELIZABETH ; CAMPUS
James Callow Keyword(s): PLANT
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Plant |
Date learned: 11-00-1973
MT[ VERSE WITHOUT MUSIC
I KNOW A GIRL ALL DRESSED IN RED,
SHE'S GOT A PARKING METER BY HER BED.
Submitter comment: SOME OF THESE ITEMS ARE FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION FOLKLORE
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; NEW JERSEY ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; ELIZABETH ; CAMPUS
James Callow Keyword(s): ALLUSION TO PROSTITUTION
| Subject headings: | 730 Lyrical Verse |
Date learned: 12-00-1973
LIMERICK
THERE ONCE WAS A GIRL NAMED ANNHEISER,
WHO SAID THAT NO GUY COULD SURPRISE HER.
UNTIL A GUY NAMED GIBBONS,
UNTIED ALL HER RIBBONS,
AND NOW SHE'S SADDER BUT WISER.
Submitter comment: SOME OF THESE ITEMS ARE FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION FOLKLORE
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; NEW YORK ; ALBANY ; CAMPUS
James Callow Keyword(s): BEER BRAND NAME PUNS: ANHEISER & BUDWEISER
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Narrative Verse |
Date learned: 12-00-1973
SONG
JINGLE BELLS, JINGLE BELLS,
JINGLE ALL THE WAY,
OH WHAT FUN IT IS TO RIDE,
IN A HORSE DRAWN CHEVROLET.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; TRAVERSE CITY ; CAMPUS
James Callow Keyword(s): AUTOMOBILE ; PARODY
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Ill humor Ridicule Mockery |
Date learned: 12-00-1973
SONG
JINGLE BELLS, JINGLE BELLS,
JINGLE ALL THE WAY,
OH WHAT FUN IT IS TO RIDE,
IN A CRACKED UP CHEVROLET.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; TRAVERSE CITY ; CAMPUS
James Callow Keyword(s): AUTOMOBILE ; PARODY
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Ill humor Ridicule Mockery |
Date learned: 12-00-1973
VERSE WITHOUT MUSIC
LITTLE BOY BLUE
COME BLOW YOUR HORN.
THE SHEEP IN THE MEADOW
THE COWS IN THE CORN.
OH WHERE'S THE LITTLE BOY
WHO'S ALWAYS ASLEEP?
HE'S UNDER THE HAYSTACK
EATING THE SHEEP.
Submitter comment: SOME OF THESE ITEMS ARE FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION FOLKLORE
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; TRAVERSE CITY ; CAMPUS
James Callow Keyword(s): PARODY ; RHYME: ABCB
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Lyrical Verse Lyrical Verse |
Date learned: 12-00-1973
CHIQUITA BANANA
IM A CHIQUITA BANANA
AND IM HERE TO STAY
IF YOU WANT TO KILL YOUR TEACHER
I HAVE FOUND THE WAY.
EAT A BANANA.
PUT THE PEEL ON THE FLOOR
AND WATCH YOUR TEACHER FLY OUT THE DOOR.
(THIS IS SUNG TO THE TUNE OF THE CHIQUITA BANANA AD ON TV)
Submitter comment:
VIOLENCE AGAINST TEACHERS IS ALWAYS A POPULAR SUBJECT FOR GRADE
SCHOOL SONG PARODIES. IT IS ALSO COMMON FOR CHILDREN TO MAKE UP
PARODIES OF THE ADS ON TV SINCE THEY SEE THEM SO OFTEN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): PARODY OF ADVERTISEMENT
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Ill humor Ridicule Mockery |
RUDOLPH, THE RED-NOSED COWBOY
RUDOLPH, THE RED-NOSED COWBOY
HAD A VERY SHINY GUN
AND IF YOU EVER SAW IT
YOU WOULD TURN AROUND AND RUN.
THEN ONE FOGGY CHRISTMAS EVENING
THE SHERIFF CAME TO SAY,
"RUDOLPH WITH YOUR GUN SO BRIGHT,
WON'T YOU SHOOT MY WIFE TONIGHT?
THEN ALL THE OTHER COWBOYS
LAUGHED AND SHOUTED OUT WITH GLEE
"RUDOLPH, THE RED-NOSED COWBOY
YOU'LL GO DOWN IN HISTORY!
Submitter comment:
THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF HOW CHILDREN LOVE TO INCORPORATE VIOLENCE
INTO THEIR SONGS.
James Callow comment:
SUNG TO TUNE OF "RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER"
CK[ PARODY
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): PARODY
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Ill humor Ridicule Mockery |
Date learned: 01-09-1974
THE FOLLOWING CONVERSATION TOOK PLACE BETWEEN A CUSTOMER AND A
WAITRESS IN A JEWISH RESTAURANT.
FUNEM?
SVFM.
FUNEX?
SVFX.
OKMNX.
TRANSLATION:
HAVE YOU ANY HAM?
YES, WE HAVE HAM.
HAVE YOU ANY EGGS?
YES, WE HAVE EGGS.
OK, HAM AND EGGS.
Submitter comment:
WHEN MY GREAT UNCLE TRIED THIS ON US NO ONE COULD GUESS IT JUST BY
LOOKING AT IT. HOWEVER, WHEN HE READ IT TO US USING EXPRESSION IT
WAS MUCH EASIER TO CATCH ON. THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH THIS "PUZZLE" IS
THAT IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO CATCH ON TO THE FIRST TIME YOU SEE
IT. THEN ONCE YOU ARE TOLD WHAT IT MEANS THE ELEMENT OF CURIOSITY IS
DESTROYED. ALMOST INVARIABLY PEOPLE WILL TRY TO READ EACH LINE
AS A WORD NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES YOU TELL THEM TO PRONOUNCE EACH
LETTER SEPARATELY.
Where learned: OHIO ; CINCINNATI
James Callow Keyword(s): JEWISH PRONUNCIATION OF ENGLISH
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Group of Vowels and Consonants, and of Words RIDDLE -- Riddle Question |
Date learned: 00001960S
VERSE ABOUT FOOD
SHAKE AND SHAKE
THE KETCHUP BOTTLE.
NONE'LL COME AND
THEN A LOT'LL.
Submitter comment:
I THINK OUR FAMILY ORIGINALLY GOT THIS VERSE FROM BENNET CERF'S
HOUSEFUL OF LAUGHTER BUT BY NOW ENOUGH PEOPLE IN THE FAMILY KNOW IT
THAT WHENEVER SOMEONE SEEMS TO BE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH GETTING THE
KETCHUP OUT SOMEONE ELSE IN THE FAMILY WILL START SAYING THIS VERSE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): CATSUP
| Subject headings: | 730 Lyrical Verse Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Food Drink C855.248 |
Date learned: 00001960S
MARRIAGE
PARSIS OF INDIA WILL NOT PERFORM A MARRIAGE IN THE DARK OF THE
MOON
Submitter comment: THIS INFORMATION WAS GIVEN TO ME BY RABBI HALPERN
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BLOOMFIELD
James Callow Keyword(s): PARSEE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage |
Date learned: 00-00-1974
BIRTH
IN SWITZERLAND WHEN A BOY IS BORN IT IS THE PRACTICE TO PLANT AN
APPLE TREE. WHEN A GIRL IS BORN A NUT TREE IS PLANTED.
Submitter comment: CAN BE FOUND IN MC CARTNEY "FOLKLORE HEIRLOOMS"
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BLOOMFIELD
James Callow Keyword(s): PLANTS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth |
Date learned: 00-00-1974
PETER PETER PUMPKIN EATER
PETER PETER PUMPKIN EATER,
HAD A WIFE BUT COULDN'T KEEP HER,
SO HE PUT HER IN A PUMPKIN SHELL,
FOUND SHE'D BEEN UNTRUE,
SO HE BURIED HIS WIFE AND THE PUMPKIN TOO.
Submitter comment:
SHE SAID THAT THIS WAS A HALLOWEEN FAVORITE, THAT WAS SAID FREQUENTLY
AT HALLOWEEN PARTIES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; RIVERVIEW
James Callow Keyword(s): PARODY
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Narrative Verse Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Lyrical Verse Lyrical Verse |
Date learned: 01-00-1974