The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

Camp Song

Johnny and  Willie went to school one day, one fine afternoon
Johnny said to Willie do you want to fight or watch the girls play ball; or watch the girls play ball

Willie had a little white knife the end of it was sharp
He stuck it in poor Johnny's heart and the blood came gushing out; and the blood came gushing out

If mommie asks where I am tell her I'm dead and gone tell her I want my coffin brown. Six white angels all around. Two to dance and two to sing and two to carry my soul away

Johnson, Johnson is my name and Brooklyn is my station and Heaven is my resting place and God is my salvation and God is my salvation

Data entry tech comment:

Informant and collector share same surname.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT