The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

HAMBONE

HAMBONE, HAMBONE, HAVE YOU HEARD?
MOMMA'S GONNA BUY YOU A MARKING BIRD.
IF THAT MARKING BIRDIE DON'T SING,
MOMMA'S GONNA BUY YOU A DIAMOND RING.
IF THAT DIAMOND RING DON'T SHINE,
MOMMA'S GONNA BUY YOU A BOTTLE O WINE.
IF THAT BOTTLE OF WINE DON'T DRINK,
MOMMA'S GONNA BUY YOU A KITCHEN SINK.
HAMBONE, HAMBONE, HAVE YOU HEARD?
MOMMA'S GONNA BUY YOU A MARKING BIRD.

Submitter comment: THE SONG IS SUNG TO THE TUNE OF HUSH LITTLE BABY,
BUT THE TEMPO IS MUCH FASTER. ONE HAND BEATS THE LEG
AND CHEST DURING THE SONG. AND THE SONG IS ESPECIALLY
POPULAR AMONG MEN.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): CHAIN WITH INTERLINKED ITEMS ; MOCKING BIRD

Date learned: 04-00-1983