The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

Music

Two people stand opposite each other and, while clapping first their hands and then their partners, sing:

I gave my father peaches,
I gave my father pears,
I gave my father fifty cents,
And kicked him down the stairs.

I gave my mother etc.
I gave my sister etc.
I gave my aunt etc.
I gave my uncle etc.
I gave my brother etc.
Any more relatives one cares to mention.

Data entry tech comment:

Informant and collector share the same surname.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM