The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

GAME VERSE

HAMBONE, HAMBONE HAVE YOU HEARD
PAPA IS GONNA BUY ME A MOCKING BIRD.
IF THAT MOCKING BIRD DON'T SING
PAPA IS GONNA BUY ME A DIAMOND RING.
IF THAT RING DON'T SHINE
PAPA IS GONNA BUY ME A BOTTLE OF WINE.
IF THAT BOTTLE OF WINE DON'T TASTE,
PAPA IS GONNA TAKE ME TO THE LAKE.
IF THE WATER SPLASH ON ME
PAPA IS GONNA WHIP MY B-U-T

Submitter comment: THIS RHYME WAS USED AS A HAND CLAPPING GAME BETWEEN TWO OR MORE
PERSONS.

Where learned: LOUISIANA ; New Orleans

James Callow Keyword(s): EUPHEMISM SPELLING

Date learned: 11-05-1973