The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

Counting-out rhyme used by African American children

My mama and your mama were hanging out the clothes.
My mama socked your mama right straight in the nose.
What color was the blood? Answer y/n
N O spells no and you are out of this game.

Submitter comment:

This games is done with each participating players putting
one foot in a circle with all toes touching together. The
callers says the above rhyme touching each person's shoe.
Each round of the rhyme eliminates a person until eventually
there is only one person left and that person is "it."

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; other children in the community

Keyword(s): African American ; COUNTING ; GAME ; Playground ; RHYME ; Selection

Date learned: 00-00-1961