Oly Old Time Songbook

Oly Old Time Song Book 2011

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Oly Old Time Class These days class is held at Lincoln Elementary on Wednesdays except the first Wed. of the month. Sometimes alternate locations are used on the first. We play from 7-9pm. During the first part of class we learn a tune and then spend the rest of the class jamming.

In case you are wondering what old time means, here is one interpretation: "Old Time" refers to a genre of traditional American folk music passed down orally from generation to generation. It changes over time. It is a blend of country, african, bluegrass, blues and anglo-celtic music all melded together. It’s good for singing, socializing, and dancing.

Oly Old Time has been meeting almost every week since Fall of 2006. Oly Old Time's first incarnation was "Banjo Class" at the Olympia Free School, but it quickly became an old time string band class. The Olympia Free School has all but disappeared and re-emerged, but Oly Old Time still trudges along. Over four hundred people have participated Oly Old Time Class since its inception and new people come almost every week. Average weekly attendance ranges from five to twenty-five. Every night is different but beginner or professional you are bound to have a good time. The Oly Old Time Festival has also been a huge success the last three years, which has drummed up a lot of interest.

Banjo, fiddle, and acoustic guitar are the most common instruments at class, but lots of stringed instruments can work. Bass, cello, mandolin, ukulele, spoons, bones, washboard, washtub, harmonica, jaw harp, bouzouki, feet and saw have all worked into the mix quite well.

Support for instruments and skill levels varies from week to week based upon who attends, but you can expect to learn something from someone regardless of your age or musical background. The more that come, the better it gets. If you need a loaner instrument, let us know ahead of time. Coming by to just listen is encouraged. Listening is an important part of learning any music. You can't play the tune until you can hear it in your head. The general format of the class goes like this: choosing the key/tuning/tune of the night; tuning; stragglers straggle in; intro go-around; play a few tunes from previous weeks; confirm the tune of the night; play that tune for a long time slowly; break off into groups based on instrument and skill level; meet back up and play it again; jam until 9pm.

Email olyoldtime@gmail.com for questions or to be put on the list serv.

For more information about the songbook contact tclaw@olyoldtime.org For more information about the annual festival contact emily@olyoldtime.org For more information about class contact mikey@olyoldtime.org

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Musical Peculiarities and Chord Numbers There is a chord numbering system called the Nashville Number System, amongst other names. It is used by people who understand music theory to speed up verbal communication about music and to easily switch keys (mostly to accomodate vocal/instrument range). Oly Old Time has adapted a chord numbering system to meet their very limited needs. OOT has a relatively 'small box' that they have put old time music into to make it accessible to more people. The chord numbering system is one tool to aid people in playing and learning music in a friendly group setting. At first, playing the same tune in two different keys can seem like a whole new tune. In most cases, on most instruments commonly used to play old time, it is as simple as using a capo or tuning it differently. The fingerings and chord shapes across the four most common keys can be similar or identical.

The four keys are A, C, D, and G. There are a few old time tunes in the Key of F and B flat or minor keys, but most social musicians around Olympia don't know or play any tunes in those keys. For the last 3 years or so the Oly Old Time scene has embraced the cross tuned fiddle in GDGD. The majority of the time we play 'cross A tunes' (as other old timers may know them) dropped down to cross G. They are played in the same way with exactly the same fingerings. This is easier on the instruments (less string tension), and some people find it more comfortable to sing in the key of G (grizzle).

We like cross tuning the fiddle because it is an open tuning like on the banjo. Historically Oly Old Time has had a preference towards banjo centric fiddle tunes, being that it is not unheard of to have 6-7 banjo players around at a given event (sometimes no fiddlers). Cross tunes lend beginners an easier time figuring out intonation (where to put your fingers), because you can always drone (two notes at once) on the open string next to the one being noted. If the two notes sound good together then your finger is in the right spot. This is not possible with all combinations on a standard tuned fiddle. The open tuning lends itself towards more rhythmic and less notey playing which may or may not be conducive to learning.

At class we usually try to shy away from writing down notes, tabs, or chords to emphasize learning by ear. If you are a visual learner, OOT may not be a the best fit for you. Special needs can sometimes be accomodated depending on who else shoes. Please try to be open to trying to learn music by ear, the way it was learned by most people playing music for thousands of years.

Most of the melodies and chord patterns we play are very simple, and through repetition make more sense every go around.

There are three very common chords for the type of old time music we play. They are G(1), C(4), D(5). If you can figure out how to play those chords on your instrument you can learn this music by ear and on the fly. The way you figure out the chord numbers is by counting up the alphabet. If we were in the key of G the G-chord would be the 1-chord, and all the way up. G-1, A-2, C-4, D5, Em-6, and F-7.(8 would be an octave-G) In all 4 keys we play in we don't encounter many flats, sharps, minors, etc. All the chords are assumed to be natural and major. The one exception being the 6-chord. In all 4 keys we play the 6-chord is an assumed minor. Key of G: the 6-chord is Em, key of A is 6-F#m, key of C is 6-Am, and key of D is 6-Bm. 7-chords are used often in modal tunes. We don't really know what modal means. All of that sounds confusing, but for the most part you will only need to know where your 1,4,and 5 chords are in a few keys (1 key to start).

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Songbook Identity Oly Old Time does not claim that the chords listed in this book are 'the' chords for the tunes.

Chords in old time music are a matter of preference a lot of the time. It is more about melody than the accompaniment. Some people prefer just the 1 and the 5 for practically all tunes, and some people would play lots of minor chords, 2 chords, or swing style chords with the same exact tune. What we do claim, is that the chords listed will work pretty well with the way we commonly play the tunes around here. There are likely a few errors, but feel free to scratch it out and write in what works for you. There are hundreds of different ways to play each tune, so don't think of this as a chord bible.

There are also hundreds of verses and variations, being that a lot of these songs are not written down, and are passed down orally for hundreds of years (telephone game). Times change, the language changes, and some words are a bit out of date or more offensive in current times.

This is not a lyric bible either, but we do pride ourselves on collecting the cool verses and chucking the overdone tasteless ones. This book strongly represents a preference for what we call tune-songs. They are not just melodic tunes without singing, and they are not just a song where you strum chords. Most tune-songs in this book have a decent fiddle melody and some cool lyrics.

Volunteers have spent a lot of time trying to remove offensive language and make the content more accessible/representative while not modernizing/tokenizing and keeping the integrity of the tunes and songs as they came to us. More work needs to be done there. Any help or suggestions are welcome. Any alterations or distribution you do is fine with us. Nobody claims to have written most of the old songs and tunes, so it doesn’t hurt to share them with anyone. And the way you play it will be different, in some ways making it your own. As far as the unincorporated Oly Old Time is concerned all this stuff is anti-copyright so do with it what you will.

Roundpeak Roundpeak refers to a region of Appalachian North Carolina where Tommy Jarrell and other well known old time musicians spent their lives. Folk revivalists flocked there in the 1960's, 70's, and 80's, made a grip of field recordings, learned the tunes that were openly shared with them, and spread the tunes around the country quite a bit. So much so that they are some of the most common tunes played in many circles, at most festivals, and in this book. If you know of different tune sourcing information let us know and it may be on the next edit.

Beyond Roundpeak There is Old Time Music in many different styles from many different places in the country.

New Englanders play a Northern old time called Quebecios or French Canadian. Folks form the gulf play creole, cajun, dixieland jazz, and zydeco music. Folks in Kentucky play traditional bluegrass which was the next progression in modernizing southern old time music to make it more listenable and composed. Midwesterner's have there own set and styles of old time fiddle tunes.

The West Coast was colonized last, so most of the fiddlers and banjo players out here who were raised with the music have family from further East roots. Native folks of the Metis tribe adopted some French culture, fiddles, and their own form of square dancing.

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Ain't Got No Honey Babe Now A part: 1 4 1 Used to go a courtin', didn't know how 5 1 Now my love got married, ain't got no honey babe now Wish I was a sailor, way out on the sea Than to be a married woman, with a baby on my knee When I was a baby, I'd sit on mama's knee Said she'd love me all her life, and oh what a gal I'd be Goin' to the depot, I'm goin' downtown Goin' to the races, gonna lay my money down When I was a rich gal, had fellas all around Now that I'm a poor gal, ain't got no honey babe now B part: 1111/1155/1144/5511

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Angelina Baker A part: (chorus) 1 6 Angelina Baker lived near the village green 1 4 5 1 The way I always loved her, beats all I ever seen B part: (same chords, replace the 6 with a 4 if you want to cheer up) Her father was a baker, they called him uncle sam I never can forget her, no matter where I am Angelina Baker, left me here alone Left me here to weep a tear and play on the old jawbone Sixteen horses in my team the old grey went before Almost broke Angelina’s heart to hear the wagons roll Bought Angeline a brand new dress, neither black nor brown It was the color of a stormy cloud, before the rain poured down Her brother was a banker, they call him Brother Bill.

He drinks and smokes and eats a lot, guess he always will Angelina Baker age is forty-three Little children round her feet and a banjo on her knee Angelina she’s so tall, she cannot see the ground Even needs a telescope to look upon the town

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Baltimore Fire A part: (parts sung alternately) 1 4 I was goin' to the falls by a narrow 1 5 When I heard a cry, I ever shall remember 1 4 The fire sent and cast it's burning embers 1 5 1 Another fated city of our land Amid an awful struggle of commotion The wind blew a gale from the ocean Brave firemen struggled with devotion But they after all, proved in vain B part: (chorus) 1 Fire, fire, I heard those cries 4 1 From every breeze that passes by 4 1 5 All the world was one sad site of pity 1 Strong men in angry praise 4 1 Calling loud to heaven for aid 4 1 While the fire in ruin was laying 5 1 Fair Baltimore, a beautiful city 8

Banjo Picking Girl 1 I'm goin' around this world, baby mine 4 1 I'm goin' around this world, baby mine 4 1 I'm goin' around this world, I'm a banjo-picking girl 5 1 I'm goin' around this world, baby mine I'm goin' to Arkansas, baby mine (x2) I'm goin' to Arkansas, gonna see my Ma and Pa...

I'm goin' to Tennessee, baby mine (x2) I'm goin' to Tennessee, and I hope you’ll foller me...

I'm goin' to Chattanooga, baby mine (x2) I'm goin' to Chattanooga, and from there its on to Cuba...

I'm goin' to North Carolina, baby mine (x2) I'm goin' to North Carolina, and from there on to China...

I'm goin' across the ocean, baby mine (x2) I'm goin' across the ocean, if I get the notion...

If you ain't got no money, baby mine (x2) If you ain't got no money, get yourself another honey...

Goin' to Yumtown West baby mine, the place I love the best Goin' to the East side baby mine, there it sure is grease time Goin' to the West side baby mine, because it is the best side Goin' to Portland town baby mine, never wanna go more than now Goin' to Illinois baby mine, to see those pretty boys Goin' cross the river baby mine, couple more jumps and I'll be with her 9

Barlow Knife A part: 1 I’ve been working (searching) all my life 5 1 All I got is a Barlow knife Buckhorn handle and a Barlow blade Best dang knife that ever was made B part: 4444/4451 C part: 1111/1151

Baby-O A part: 1 The baby this, and the baby that 5 1 The baby killed my old tom cat Wrap him up in the table cloth We’ll put him up in the stable loft Wrap him up in calico We’ll smack his bottom and let him go The baby laughed, the baby cried I stuck my finger in the baby’s eye B part: (chorus) 1 5 1 What you gonna do with the baby? What you gonna do with the baby-o? (x2) 10

Been All Around This World 1 Hang me, oh hang me, and I’ll be dead and gone 5 4 1 Hang me oh hang me, I’ll be dead and gone 4 1 6 It's not the hangin' that I mind, it's layin' in jail so long 5 1 I’ve been all around this world Lulu, oh Lulu, come and open that door Lulu, oh Lulu, come and open that door Before I have to open it, with my old forty-four I’ve been all around this world Goin' on top the mountain, its where I'll take my stand Goin' on top the mountain, where I'll take my stand Pistol in my pocket, six-shooter in my hand I’ve been all around this world Mama and Papa, little sister makes three Mama and Papa, little sister makes three If your tryin to find me, I’ll be hanging from the gallows tree I’ve been all around this world Workin’ on that new railroad, mud up to my knees x2 Workin’ for John Henry, he’s so hard to please I’ve been all around this world Used to have a big grey horse, Arrow was his name x2 Caught me makin' moonshine, they told me get off that train I've been all around this world 11

Big Eyed Rabbit A part: 1 4 Yonder comes a rabbit, skipping through the sand 1 Shoot that rabbit, he don’t mind 5 1 Fry him in my pan, I’ll fry him in my pan Yonder comes a rabbit, just hard as he can run It’s yonder comes another one I’ll shoot him with my gun, gun, shoot him with my gun Yonder comes my darlin', its how do you know?

Know her by her pretty blue eyes Shinin’ bright like gold, shinin' bright like gold Drivin' down the ol' dirt road, just to get a thrill If I hit a rabbit, I'll cook him on my grill Then on to the cider mill, my belly I will fill Yonder comes a rabbit, hoppin' through the snow Grab 'em by the ears and throw 'em in the pot In the fire it will go, fire it will go B part: (chorus) 1 5 1 Big-eyed rabbit’s gone, gone, the big-eyed rabbit’s gone Rockin' in a weary land, land, I’m rockin' in a weary land

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Big Scioty A part: 1 I've got a gal (guy) that I love so well She goes to heaven and I go to hell 4 5 1 Can't go home again, can't go home again The river's deep an' the river's wide Can’t see nothin’ on the other side Can’t go home again lord, can’t go home again I've lived on the river all my life Ain’t known nothin’ but toil an strife I can't go home again, I can’t go home again B part: (chorus) 1 5 East and West that highway rolls 6 Lord have mercy on a poor boy's soul 4 Miss my blue eyed baby-o 1 Miss my blue eyed baby-o

Black Annie A part: B part: (same chords) 1

Ol' black Annie got away (x3) 5 1 Down the middle of the bar room door Ol' black Annie got caught (x3) Down the middle of the bar room door 13

Black-Eyed Suzie A part: 1 4 Bob and I we came to town 1 5 Met a little girl called Suzie Brown 1 4 Her eyes were black and her hair was brown 1 5 Prettiest girl in the whole damn town Fell in love with her that night Was out with her 'till ‘fore daylight We held each other so very tight Said we’d kiss and never fight One of the things that makes me happy Is two little boys that call me pappy One named Sam and the other named Davy One likes ham and the other likes gravy Love my wife and love my family Love my friends, love my mammy Some got drunk, some got boozy Not many got drunk like me and Suzie If your momma knew she'd tan your hide Your daddy would hunt you dead or alive B part: (chorus) C part: 1111/1151 1 Hey, black-eyed Suzie, hey (2x) 14

Blackest Crow 5 4 1 6 The time draws near my dearest dear, when you and I must part 5 4 1 6 But little you know of the grief and woe, of my poor aching heart 1 4 6 It's what I suffer for your sake, you're the one I love so dear 5 4 1 6 I wish that I was going with you, or you were to stay here I wish my breast was made of glass, wherein you might behold For there your name lies wrote my dear, in letters made of gold Oh there your name lies wrote my dear, believe me when I say You are the only one for me, until my dying day The blackest crow that ever flew, would surely turn to white If ever I prove false to you, bright day would turn to night Bright day would turn to night my love, the elements would mourn If ever I prove false to you, the seas would rage and burn I wish that you and me my love, were on yonder shady rock And we had neither wealth nor care, and riches was forgot I'd wish for every day a week, and every week a year How happy happy would I be, in presence of you dear And when you're on some distant shore Think on your absent friend And when the wind blows high and free A line to me pray send And when the wind blows high and free, love, send your thoughts to me So I may know, by your handwrite, how times, they fare with thee 15

Boil Them Cabbage Down 1 4 Boil them cabbage down, down 1 5 Bake them biscuits brown, brown 1 4 The only song that I ever did sing 1 5 1 Was boil them cabbage down Raccoon is a cunning thing Travels in the dark Only thing that makes him cringe Is to hear that rover bark (Arf!) Raccoons got a bushy tail, Opossums tail is bare Rabbits got no tail at all Just a little bunch of hair Raccoon in a ‘simmon tree Possum on the ground Possum says to raccoon “Won’t you shake some ‘simmons down?”

Raccoon in a ‘simmon tree ‘Simmons start to fall Possum says “you son of a gun I didn’t want ‘em all”

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Bowling Green A part: 1 4 1 I wished I was in Bowlin’ Green, sittin’ in my chair, one arm round my 4 5 1 Pretty little gal(whiskey jug), other round my dear, the other round my dear B part: (chorus) 4 1 5 1 Goin’ to Bowlin’ Greeeeen, oooh, good ol’ Bowlin' Green I wish I was a bumble bee, sailin’ through the air, take my feller by my side Catch em’ if you dare, catch em’ if you dare If you see that man of mine, tell him once for me (if you please) If he loves another gal, I will set him free, yes I’ll set him free Goin’ through this whole (old) wide world, goin’ through alone Goin’ through this whole wide world, I ain’t got no home, I ain’t got nohome

Breaking up Christmas A part: 1111/1151 B part: 1 Hoo-ray Jake and Hoo-ray John 5 1 Breakin' up Christmas all night long Way back yonder a long time ago, the old folks danced the do-si-do Way down yonder alongside the creek, I seen Santy Claus washin' his feet Santa Claus come, done and gone, breakin' up Christmas right along

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Buffalo Gals A part (chorus): 1 Buffalo gals, won't you come out tonight 5 1 Come out tonight, come out tonight 1 Buffalo gals, won't you come out tonight 5 1 Dance by the light of the moon I danced with a gal with a hole in her stockin' And her heel kept a-rockin' and her toe kept a knockin' I danced with a gal with a hole in her stockin' And we danced by the light of the moon As I was walkin' (down the street x3) A pretty girl I chanced to meet Under the silvery moon I asked her if she'd (stop and talk x3) Her feet covered the whole sidewalk She was fair to view I asked her he she'd stop to dance, have a dance, care to dance I thought I might get a chance To shake a foot with her I asked her if (she'd be my wife x3) Then I'd be happy all my life If she'd marry me B part: (same chords) 18

Chilly Winds 1 I'm goin' where them chilly winds don't blow, don't blow 7 1 I’m goin’ where the climate suits my clothes Sing me a song, sing it soft and low Out where them chilly winds don't blow If you're feelin' lonely, if you're feelin' low I love you more than you will ever know I'm leavin' in the springtime, won't be back ‘til Fall No, I might not come back at all See you when your troubles are like mine like mine See you when you aint got a dime Mike Seeger and Paul Brown Melody/Lyrics: 1 6 Who will rock rock your cradle when I'm gone darlin’ babe 1 6 Now, who will rock your cradle when I'm gone 1 6 Goin’ where that climate suits my clothes darlin’ babe 1 6 Baby my time ain't gone I'm goin’ where them chilly winds don't blow darlin babe (x2) Who will stir your gravy when I'm gone darlin’ babe (x2)

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Cider A part: 1144/1151 B part: 1 You be the horse and I’ll be the rider 5 1 Down to the stillhouse to get a little cider Cider, cider, a little more cider, down to the stillhouse to get a little cider Hickory horse and a white oak saddle, and a pretty little girl ridin’ a’straddle Sal went down to get a little cider, little white dog run along side her

Cindy A part: 1 You ought to see my Cindy, she lives away down South 5 1 And she's so sweet the honey bees, they swarm around her mouth She hugged me and she kissed me, she called me sugar plum With apple butter on the shelf, this is where we lay our home Cindy got religion, she had it once before But when she heard my old banjo, she's the first one on the floor Cindy went to the preachin', she swung around and 'round She got so full of glory, she knocked the preacher down B part: (chorus) 1 6 1 Get along home, Cindy Cindy, get along home 6 5 1 Get along home, Cindy Cindy, I’ll marry you some day 20

Cluck ol' Hen A part: (chorus) 1 7 Cluck ol' hen, cluck and sing 1 5 1 Ain't laid an egg since way last Spring 7 Cluck ol' hen cluck and squall 1 5 1 Ain’t laid an egg since way last Fall B part: (same chords) My old hen, she won’t do She lays eggs and taters too First time she cackled, she cackled a lot Next time she cackled, she cackled in a pot My old hen’s a good old hen She lays eggs for the railroad men Sometimes nine sometimes ten That’s enough for the railroad men My old hen’s a good old hen She lays eggs for the railroad men Sometimes one sometimes two That’s enough for the whole dang crew Had a little hen, she had a wooden leg The best dang hen that ever laid an egg Laid more eggs than any hen around the barn Another little drink won't do me no harm 21

Coffee-o A part: 1 5 1 Everywhere in the world I go, I like sugar in my coffee-o How in the world did the old folks know, I like sugar in my coffee-o I've been high, I've been low, I like sugar in my coffee-o B part: 1111/1151/1114/5551

Cornbread and Butterbeans 1 Cornbread and butterbeans, and you across the table 5 (like D7 if in G) Eatin' beans and making love, as long as I am able 1 Hoein' corn and cotton too, and when the day is over 5 Ride the mule, cut the fool, and love again all over Wearing shoes and drinking booze, that goes against the bible A necktie will make you die, and cause you lots of trouble Street cars and whiskey bars, and kissing pretty men Kissin them, that's the end of a terrible beginning Can't read and don't care, and education's awful Raising heck and writing checks, it oughtta be unlawful Panty hose and fancy clothes is just a waste of money Come with me and stay with me, and you could be my honey Goodbye, don’t you cry, goin’ to Lousiana Buy a dog and a big fat hog and marry Sousiana Ding dong sing a song, I’m on a trip to China Cornbread and butterbeans, back to Carolina 22

Cotton Eyed Joe A part: 1 Cornstalk fiddle and a shoe string bow 5 1 Play a little tune called Cotton Eyed Joe Bring out your fiddle, rosin your bow Play a little tune called Cotton Eyed Joe I fell down and stubbed by toe Call for the doctor cotton eyed Joe Papa Murphy’s is where he goes Brings home the bacon, brings home the dough Fell off the dumpster, broke his toe Call for the doctor, everybody go Where did he come from where did he go?

Where did he come from, nobody knows Corndog dinner, mustard on his nose Box of rotten produce, the compost grows B part: (chorus) (same chords) Where did ya come from, where did ya go Where did ya come from, Cotton Eyed Joe

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Cripple Creek A part: 1 4 1 Pull my britches down to my knees 1 5 1 Pull my britches down whenever I please Old Sal lives up at the head of the creek Goin' up to see her bout twice a week She got kisses sweet as wine Wrap herself around me like a sweet potato vine Guys down cripple creek, bout half grown Jump on a tubesteak like a dog on a bone Guys down cripple creek, layin in the shade Stealin money from the bossman, quick as a spade I got a pal, he loves me He’s as sweet as sweet can be He’s got tunes, like a dog’s got fur Taught me all of his fancy words B part (chorus): 1 Goin' down cripple creek, goin' on a run 1 5 1 Goin' down cripple creek, have a little fun Goin' down cripple creek, rain and sand Goin' down cripple creek, see my man

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Cumberland Gap A part: 1 4 1 5 1 Me and my wife and my wife’s pap, walked all the way to the Cumblin’ Gap 1 4 1 5 1 Cumberland Gap, Cumberland Gap, walked all the way to the Cumblin’ Gap Way down yonder (big ol' feller) sittin’ on a log Finger on a trigger and eye on a hog...

Lay down boys, take a little nap, wake up sober in the Cumberland Gap...

Now when I die, don’t bury me at all, just pickle my bones in alkyhol Lay my hands on top o’ my chest, and tell them pretty gals I’ve gone to rest Come along girls and come with me, we all go back to Tennessee...

If it ain’t there when I get back, I’ll raise the devil in the Cumberland Gap...

Old aunt Kate, old aunt Sal, old aunt Kate’s got a pretty little gal...

Old aunt Kate, if you don’t care, leave my demijohns sittin’ right there...

B part (if in the key of D): 5511/4411 C part (if in the key of D): 1144/1144/1151 B part (if in cross G or A): 1144/1144/1151

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Dance All Night (with a Bottle in your Hand) A part: 1144/5511 B part: 1 Dance all night with a bottle in your hand 5 1 A bottle in your hand, a bottle in your hand Dance all night with a bottle in your hand 5 1 Just for a day get the fiddler a dram C part: 11115555/1111/1551 I left that jawbone sitting on the fence I ain’t seen nothing of the jawbone since Walk jawbone, kitty get along In comes Sally with the big boots on Who’s been here since I been gone?

Pretty little girl with the red dress on She took it off, and I put it on In comes Sally with the big boots on Dance all night with the fiddler’s gal Swing around the corner with the other fella’s gal Swing that calico Sally Ann We don’t give a dang, we’ll catch it if we can 26

Darling Nellie Gray A part: 1 4 There's a low green valley on the old Kentucky shore 1 5 Where I've whiled many happy hours away 1 4 A-sitting and a-singing by the little cottage door 1 5 1 Where lived my darling Nellie Grey When the moon had climbed the mountain and the stars were shining too Then I’d take my darling Nellie Grey And we’d float down the river in my little red canoe While my banjo sweetly I would play My canoe is under water and my banjo is unstrung And I'm tired of living anymore My eyes shall look downward and my songs shall be unsung While I stay on the old Kentucky shore My eyes are getting blinded and I cannot see my way Hark, there's someone knocking at my door I hear the angels calling and I see my Nellie Grey Farewell to the old Kentucky shore B part (chorus): 1 4 1 Oh my darling Nellie Grey, they have taken you away 5 And I'll never get to see you any more 1 4 I'm a-sitting by the river and I'm weeping all the day 1 5 1 For you've gone from the old Kentucky shore 27

'De Boatman Dance A part: 1 4 5 1 Hi ho 'de boatman row, floatin' down 'de river on 'de Ohio 1 4 5 1 Hi ho 'de boat man row, up an' down on 'de Ohio B part: 4 1 4 1 4 1 5 1 'De boatman dance, 'de boatman sing, 'de boatman do most anything 4 1 4 1 4 1 5 1 And when 'de boatman gets to shore, he spends his cash and works for more 'De boatman is a thrifty man, none can do as 'de boatman can 'De oyster boat should keep to de shore, 'de fishin' smack should venture more 'De schooner sails before de wind, 'de steamboat leaves a streak behind I went on board 'de other day, to see what de boatman had to say An 'dar I let my passion loose, n' 'dey cram me in de ol caboose I've come dis time, I'll come no more, let me loose, I'll go ashore For they whole hoss, an' they a bully crew, a hoosier mate an' a captain too When you go to de boatman's ball, better dance with me or not at all Got a sky-blue jacket and a cute ol' hat, look out, my boys, for 'de nine tail cat He steal my sheep, he cotch my shoat, 'den put 'em in bag and tote 'em to boat C part: (chorus) 1 6 Dance boatman dance, dance boatman dance 1 Dance all night 'til broad daylight 5 1 28

And go home with 'de kids in 'de mornin'

Don’t Drink Nothin’ but Corn A part: 1111/1111/1144/5511 B part: 1511/1144/1511/1144/1511

Don't Get Trouble in Your Mind A part: 1 4 These chains are a’breakin’, breakin’ in my heart 1 Now I’m getting older and growing cold sweetheart I went to see that girl of mine set my business right She said you are the meanest boy that ever lived or died Again I went to see that girl she said she loved me some And she threw her arms around me like a grapevine ‘round a gun If you see that gal of mine tell her if you please Before she goes to make her bread roll up them dirty sleeves Last time that I seen that girl she was standin’ in the door With Johnny's arms around her and a baby on the floor What my Mama told me, surely come to pass Drinkin’ and a’gamblin’ will be my ruin at last What my Papa told me, surely will be done I’ll be in the penitentiary ‘fore I’m twenty-one B part: (chorus) 1 5 1 Don't get trouble in your mind, don't get trouble in your mind (x2) 29

Don't You Hear Jerusalem Moan A part: 1 Well a Methodist preacher you can tell him where to go Don't you hear Jerusalem moan Don't never let a chicken get big enough to crow 5 1 Don't you hear Jerusalem moan Well a hard-shell preacher you can tell him how he do...

Well he chews his own 'bacco and he drinks his own brew...

Well a Baptist preacher you can tell him by his coat...

Have a bottle in his pocket that he can't hardly tote...

Well a Campbellite preacher his soul is saved...

Well he has to be baptised every other day...

Well the holy roller preacher he sure is a sight...

Well he gets 'em all to rollin and he kicks out the light...

The Presbyterian preacher he lives in town...

Well he gives 'em all a kick and goes hobblin' around...

B part: (chorus) 1 4 1 Don't you hear Jerusalem moan 1 4 1 Don't you hear Jerusalem moan Thank God there's a heaven and a ringin' in my soul and my soul's got free 1 5 1 Don't you hear Jerusalem moan 30

Dona Got a Ramblin' Mind 1 Dona got a ramblin' mind (x3) Dona gone down the line Dona gone jump the fence

Doney A part: 1 7 Fare you well, my Doney, fare you well I say 1 5 1 Fare you well my Doney, come another day Lips just like a cherry, Cheeks just like a rose How I love my Doney, God almighty knows You may ride the grey mare, I will ride the Roan If you see my Doney, tell her I’m sitting at home Wish I had a band box, put my Doney in Take her out and kiss her, put her back again Preacher in the pulpit, bible in his hand Said he wouldn’t preach no more, till he got another dram Make me a sandwich doney, with mustard and boloney Make me a sandwich Maggie, make it nice and big Make me a sandwich Maggie, with mayo and smoked pig B part: 1111/1144/ 1111/1151

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Down To Tampa 1 4 1 My mama she told me when I was nine years old 1 5 You gotta be a hustla' gosh darn your hard luck soul 1 4 1 I got my ticket, and I tell ya what I think I'll do 1 5 1 I'm goin' down to Tampa, settle down Now conductor, conductor please won't you let me ride your blinds You got to have a ticket, don't you know this train ain't mine I got my ticket, and I tell ya what I think I'll do I'm goin' down to Tampa, settle down My mama she told me and my papa he told me too, Don't you let no west virginia boys make make a gosh-darn fool outta you I got my ticket, and I tell ya what I think I'll do I'm goin' down to Tampa, settle down I'm goin' I'm goin,' and your cryin' won't make me stay Yes the more you trouble, the more it drives me away I got my ticket, and I tell ya what I think I'll do I'm goin' down to Tampa, settle down B part: (chorus) 1 4 5 Settle down, settle down, settle down 1 4 5 Settle down, settle down, settle down 1 4 1 I got my ticket, and I tell ya what I think I'll do 1 5 1 I'm goin' down to Tampa, settle down

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Drunken Hiccups / Rye Whiskey 1 4 1 (all other parts are all 1) Rye whiskey, rye whiskey, rye whiskey I cry 4 5 1 If I don't get rye whiskey I surely will die Jack of diamonds, jack of diamonds, I know you of old You've robbed my poor pockets, of silver and gold Whiskey, you villain, you've been my downfall You've kicked me, you've cuffed me, but I love you for all They say I drink whiskey, my money is my own And them that don't like me can leave me alone I'll eat when I'm hungry, I'll drink when I'm dry And when I get thirsty I'll lay down and cry It's beefsteak when I'm hungry and whiskey when I'm dry Greenbacks when I'm hard up and heaven when I die Baby, oh baby, I've told you before You make me a pallet, I'll lay on the floor If the ocean was whiskey and I was a duck I would dive to the bottom and never come up But the ocean ain't whiskey, and I ain't no duck So I'll play the Jack of diamonds and trust to my luck

Ducks on the Millpond A part: B part: (same chords) 1111/1151 All I want in Grizzle creation, is a pan to sizzle, and a long vacation Ducks on the millpond, geese in the ocean, all'empretty boys, just in a notion Rain come wet me, sun come dry me, stand back gov't, ain't gonna fight me Ducks on the millpond, geese in the clover, tell 'em pretty gals to come on over 33

Eighth of January A part: 1 4 In 1814 we took a little trip 5 1 Along with Colonel Jackson down the mighty mississip 4 Took a little bacon and we took a little beans 5 1 And we fought the bloody british down the town of New Orleans -We looked up the river and we see the british come There must ave been a hundred of them beatin on the drums They stepped so high and the made their bugles ring We stood by our cotton bales and didn’t say a thing -Old Hickory said we could take them by surprise If we didn’t fire our canons till we looked them in the eyes So we held our fire till we could see their faces well Opened up our squirrel guns and really gave em….well…

-We fired our canons till the barrels melted down So we grabbed an alligator and we fought another round We filled his head with canon balls and powdered his behind And when we touch the powder off the gator lost his mind -Yah they ran through the Brambles and they ran through the briars And they ran ran through the bushes where a rabbit wouldn’t go They ran so fast that the hounds couldn’t catchem Down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico B part: (chorus) 1 Fired our guns and the British kept a comin’ 5 1 But there wasn’t as many as there was a while ago Fired once more and they began a runnin' Down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico 34

Fall On My Knees 1 4 1 4 I looked up, I looked down, that long lonesome road 1 5 1 4 Its hang down your little head and cry pretty one 1 5 1 Hang down your little head and cry I fall on my knees and I pray to you please To come stand around with me, (2 syllable adjective) one Stand around with me Well I wish to the Lord that I'd never been born Or died when I was young, pretty one Or died when I was young Then I never should have kissed your red rosy lips Or heard your lying tongue pretty one Or heard your lying tongue You've told me more lies than the stars in the sky And you'll never get to heaven when you die pretty one Never get to heaven when you die Well my suitcase is packed and I'm never comin' back Goodbye little lover I'm gone, I'm gone Goodbye little lover I'm gone There’s more than one, Lord there’s more than two No other little lover like you, pretty one No other little lover like you Call up my sheep, feed my little lamb Its goodbye, little darlin', I'm gone, I am (x2) 35

Fire on the Mountain A part: 1 5 1 Fire on the mountain, run boys run, fire on the mountain, run boys run Fire on the mountain, run boys run, Sal let me chaw on your rosin some Fire on the mountain, run boys run, fire on the mountain ‘til the day is done Old Uncle Cyrus fished all night, never caught a fish on a crawfish bite Old Mother Taylor she drinks whiskey, old Mother Taylor she drinks wine, Old Mother Taylor she got drunk, swung across the river on a pumpkin vine Fire on the mountain, fire on the hillside, fire on the mountain, run girls run B part: 1144/4444/1144/4444/1151

Fortune A part: 1 5 Once I had a fortune, all locked up in my trunk 1 4 5 1 I lost it all a gambling (in a poker game), one night when I got drunk Wish I had a pretty little horse, corn to feed him on And a pretty little boy to stay at home and feed him when I’m gone B part: (same chords) 36

Georgia Railroad A part: 1 Peter and I we went a-fishin' 5 Georgia railroad I am bound 1 Caught a big mudcat, threw ‘em in the kitchen 5 1 Georgia railroad, Georgia bound Walked down the road ‘til it got right muddy Georgia railroad I am bound But I'm so drunk I can't stand steady Georgia railroad, Georgia gal I got drunk and fell in a gully Georgia railroad I am bound I got drunk but I never got muddy Georgia railroad, Georgia gal I led sheep up to the pasture, Georgia railroad I am bound But my gal said: "Sheep can't you go a little faster" Georgia railroad, Georgia gal Sheep said: "Cow, I have a sore toe" Georgia railroad I am bound Cow said: "Sheep, I did not know" Georgia railroad, Georgia gal B part: (same chords) 37

God Gave Noah the Rainbow Sign 1 God gave Noah the rainbow sign, don't you see 5 God gave Noah the rainbow sign, don't you see 1 God gave Noah the rainbow sign 4 6 No more fire in the water next time 1 5 1 Hide me, oh rock of ages cleft for me East and West the fire will roll, hide thou me... (x2) East and West the fire will roll Lord have mercy on my poor soul Hide me, oh Rock of Ages cleft for me Poor old Noah planted him a vine, don't you see... (x2) Poor old Noah planted him a vine Then commenced to make a little wine Hide me, oh Rock of Ages cleft for me Poor old Noah drank a little wine, don't you see... (x2) Poor old Noah drank a little wine He got higher than a Georgia pine Hide me, oh Rock of Ages cleft for me Poor old Lazarus, poor as I, dont you see... (x2) Poor old Lazarus, poor as I When he died he had a home on high Oh there's honey in that rock, don't you see... (x2) Oh there's honey in that rock, way up high on the mountain top Joseph weeped, Mary moaned, Jesus got choked on a chicken bone...

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Goin’ Across the Sea 1 5 Won’t you come and go 1 Come and go with me 5 Fly to me my pretty little Miss 4 1 I’m going across the sea I’m going across the sea Stay forever more Left my little darlin’ Standin’ in the door Wind is howling low Wind is howling high Go with me my pretty little love ‘Til the day I die Can’t you change a nickel Can’t you change a dime Wouldn’t you give one dollar bill To call your name as mine Donie, Donie, Donie What makes your face so red?

Working out in the crops, son With a fever in my head Pull down my fiddle Rosin up my bow Play a song for heartache, y’all ‘Cause trouble’s all I’ve known 39

Goin’ Down That Road Feelin’ Bad 1 Goin’ down that road feelin’ bad 4 1 Goin’ down that road feelin’ bad 4 1 Goin’ down that road feelin’ bad 5 1 And I ain’t gonna’ be treated this way They feed me on Velveeta Cheese And I wish I had cornbread and beans I’m down in that jail on my knees They fed me on cornbread and beans Back up that train and go home Goin where them chilly winds don't blow Those two dolla' shoes hurt my feet Takes a ten dolla' shoe to fit my feet I’m goin’ where the chilly winds don’t blow I’m goin’ where the weather suits my clothes I'm goin’ where the water tastes like wine I'm goin’ where the grizzle tastes like swine (where there's biscuits all the time) I’m gonna ride my bike all the way , I’m gonna ride to Portland today I’m gonna turn this hard tac into pie , I’m gonna do it with Harry Potter style 40

Goodbye Liza Jane A part: (chorus) 1 4 Oh how I love her, ain’t that a shame 1 5 1 Oh how I love her, good-bye Liza Jane B part: *( ) = bonus chords 1 (5) (1) 4 1 5 Miss Liza wears a dress of green, good-bye, good-bye 1 (5) (1) 4 1 5 1 She wears it when she’s feeling mean (clean), good-bye Liza Jane Miss Liza wears a dress of purple, good-bye, good-bye She wears it when she walks her turtle, good-bye Liza Jane Miss Liza wears a dress of maroon, good-bye, good-bye She wears it when she goes goes up in a balloon, good-bye Liza Jane Miss Liza wears a dress of rye, good-bye, good-bye She wears it when she’s asking “Why?” good-bye Liza Jane Miss Liza wears a dress of mint, good-bye, good-bye She wears it when she wants a tint, good-bye Liza Jane Miss Liza wears a dress of red, good-bye, good-bye She wears it when she bumps her head (goes to bed), good-bye Liza Jane Miss Liza wears a dress of blue, good-bye, good-bye She wears it she ties her shoe, good-bye Liza Jane Miss Liza wears a dress of white, good-bye, good-bye She wears it when she says good night, good-bye Liza Jane Miss Liza wears a dress of orange, good-bye, good-bye She wears it when she’s stirring porridge (up in storage), good-bye Liza Jane Miss Liza wears a dress of pink, good-bye, good-bye She wears it when she tries to think (takes a drink), good-bye Liza Jane 41

Got No Silver, No Gold Blues 1 Lord I got no silver, lord I got no gold 5 1 Almost naked and it done turned cold I laid my head upon that railroad track Thought of my Doney and I pulled it back Oh that old graveyard, that terrible old place Lay you on your back and throw dirt in your face Oh that a way a'bullyin', no it won't do See what bullyin has brought you to If you don't believe that'a bully is dead Look what a hole in the bully's head One in his head and two in his thigh How is that way that the bully died My name is (_____) and I'm from Tennesee If you don't like my peaches don't shake my tree You eat the beefsteak and I eat the liver Come eat the gizzard over the by the long river

Goin' Up To Hamburg A part: 6666/6661/6666/6661

B part: 1144/1151/1144/1151

C part: (Tag) 46

Goin' up to Hamburg to see my little lady, goin' up to Hamburg, yes I am 42

Greasy Coat A part: 1 7 1 5 1 7 5 1 I don’t drink and I don’t smoke, I don’t wear no greasy coat I don’t spit and I don’t chew, I don’t smooch with the ones that do I don’t burp and I don’t fart, I don’t fool with froofy art I don’t cheat and I don’t lie, all you sinners are gonna die I don’t stink and I don’t smell, all you punks can go to hell Tell the preacher tell the pope, I don’t wear no greasy coat B part: 1177/1111/{1177}/17[51] {Some folks say we don’t have fun}, [but we do]

Greasy String A part: 1111/1155/1111/4151 B part: 1 Run little feet, stop and sing 5 1 Mash a little harder on the greasy string Jaybird whistle and the cat-bird sing Mash a little harder on the greasy string Jaybird whistle and the cat-bird meow Mash a little harder on the greasy cow My old lady’s mad at me Because I won’t drink ginger tea Well she is good and she is bad, she gives me the devil when she gets mad 43

Greenback Dollar 1 4 1 I don't want your greenback dollar I don't want your watch and chain 4 1 5 1 All I want is your heart darlin' won't you take me back again Once I had a darlin' sweetheart And she thought the world of me 'Til another love persuaded Now she cares no more for me Many a night we strolled together Down beside the deep blue sea If you ever love another In my grave I'd rather be Mama said we could not marry Papa said you'll never do If you ever learn to love me I will run away with you

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Grizzle Grazzle Instructional Hoedown 1 4 This is the Grizzle Grazzle Instructional Hoedown 1 5 Take your skillet, pass it round 1 4 If you don’t share your grizzle 1 5 1 You gonna spend your life down where it sizzles First you take your taters and you wash ‘em Wash 'em, wash 'em good Then you take your taters and you chop 'em Chop 'em, chop 'em right Take your onions and you peel 'em...Take your onions and you dice 'em...

You take your pan and you heat it Heat it, heat it good You take your cider and you drink it Drink it all night long You take your oil and you dump it Dump it, dump it good Then you take your salt and you sprinkle Sprinkle, sprinkle right Then you take your grizzle and you eat it Eat it all night long Then you take your grizzle and you share it, share it with all your friends 45

Groundhog 1 Shoulder up your gun and whistle up your dog 5 Shoulder up your gun and whistle up your dog 1 We're off to the woods to catch a ground hog 5 1 Oh groundhog (yimacomayankatumayay) Whistle up my dog and shoulder up my gun (x2) Going to the mountains to have a little fun I run him in a rock, I run him off the cliff (x2) Great big ground hog, bigger'n I can lift I run him in the rock, I run him in log (x2) Good god almighty what big groundhog I pulled out my knife and skinned one side (x2) Good god almighty what a ground hog hide Yonder comes grandad poppin' his cane (x2) Swearin' he'll eat that groundhog brain Yonder comes Sal with a snicker and a grin (x2) Groundhog gravy all over her chin Birthday Song for Carolyn Arnold variation: If her lip puckers out, quick get her some soup, (x2) Make it with food that you get from the coop, oh Schmarmy boop Loudest cackle and her big red hair (x2) Garlic and kale flyin' everywhere, oh Schmarmy bear Plays on her fiddle and strums on her 'jo (x2) She’s the kinda gal you’d want to know, oh Schmarmy bow Sparkely gloves and dancers thighs (x2) When she gets hungry you can see it in her eyes, oh Schmarmy pie Rides around town on her little blue bike (x2) All the noises she makes I wish I had a mic, oh Schmarmy bike 46

Hand Me Down My Walking Cane 1 Hand me down my walkin’ cane 5 1 Hand me down my walkin’ cane 4 Hand me down my walkin’ cane 1 Gonna leave on the midnight train 5 1 Take me away, take me away, take me away Hand me down my quart of corn, I'll get drunk as sure's you're born I got drunk and I landed in jail, and there wasn't no one to go my bail The meat is tough, and the beans are bad, oh, my God, I can't eat that If I had listened to what you said, I'd be at home in my feather bed If I should die in Tennessee, just send my bones home C.O.D. But if I die in New York State, just ship my body back by freight If I die in Arkansas, send my bones to my mother-in-law Here comes Sal from the far field, kickin up dust like an automobile Oh, hell is deep, and hell is wide, ain't got no bottom, ain't got no side Now some folks say, it ain't no fun, when a song like this goes on and on 47

Handsome Molly 1 5 Well I wish was in London, or some other seaport town 4 1 Step my foot in a steamboat, and sail the ocean round Sailin' round the ocean, sailin' round the sea I'd think of handsome Molly, wherever she may be I saw her at church last Sunday, she passed me on by I knew her mind was changing, by the roving of her eye Her hair as black as a Raven's, her eyes were black as coal Her teeth shown like lilies, out in the morning cold Now do you remember Molly, when you give me your right hand Said if you ever married, I'd be your man Now you've broke your promise, go marry whom you please My heart is broken, 'til I get some ease

Horneaux A part: 1 5 Well I plant my corn all in one row 1 Feed it all to the horny ewe Well the horny ewe is a very fine sheep And the rest of the flock is hard to beat B part: 4455/1151 48

Hound Dog Song A part: 1 Old Lem Briggs and Old Bill Brown 5 Took a load of corn to town 1 Ol' Jim dog the ornery pup 5 1 He just naturally followed us up As we drive past the country store A passel of yaps come through the door Jim he scooted behind a box Showered him with sticks and rocks They tied a tin can to his tail And run him past the county jail That just naturally makes me sore Bill he cussed and Lem he swore B part: (chorus) 1 Every time I come to town The boys go kickin' my dog around It makes no difference if he's a hound You gotta quit kickin' my dog around

49

Ida Red A part: 1 4 1 5 1 Ida Red, Ida Blue, I got stuck on Ida too Ida Red, Ida Green, prettiest gal I've ever seen Ida Red she came to town, leading a billy goat trailin' a hound Ida Red, she ain't no fool she can ride astraddle on a humpback mule Up the road down the road all my people live down the road Up the creek down the creek see old Santa Claus washin' his feet She's been to Italy, been to Spain, Shakes in the sunshine shakes in the rain Went to a dance with Ida Red, shimmy wiggle shake it, and the papa fell dead Shakes to the left, she shakes to the right, shakes all day and most of the night She went to the dance with a guy named Stout, told myself she's gonna wear it out All the soldiers, and the sailors, and the farmers too, always shakin' and she never gets blue B part: 1111/1151 50

Jimmy Sutton A part: 1 Sheep, sheep, sheep, and mutton 4 1 If you can’t dance that, you can't dance nothin’ 1 4 1 …And a baa! Baa! old Jimmy Sutton We'll kill us a sheep and eat the mutton And save the tail for old Jimmy Sutton And a baa! Baa! old Jimmy Sutton Well, the cow fell down and skinned her shin Good God-a-mighty, how the billy-goat grinned…

I can’t stand meal, I can’t stand mutton I sure don’t care for that old Jimmy Sutton…

(You can’t sing that, you can’t sing nothin’)…

I took my gun and I went a-hunting “Bang!” went the gun, and down went the mutton...

Cow and the sheep walking through the pasture “Cow,” says the sheep, “Can’t you walk a little faster?”...

I like Sal, she likes chicken I'll keep Sal, all the time pickin'...

Sheep got up, goat rolled over Goat got up with a mouth full of clover...

B part: 5555/5511 51

John Brown’s Dream All 3 parts 1111/1151 B part: John Brown dreamed, John Brown dreamed that the devil was dead (x2) Soon be time, soon be time to cook and eat again (x2) Who’s been here, who’s been here while I been gone (x2) Pretty little gal, pretty little gal with the red dress on (x2) C part: Come on Lula, come on Lula, come on Lula with the hog and the bread (x2) Boatin’ up Cindy, Cindy, Cindy, boatin' up Cindy how do you do (x2) I’m gonna marry, I’m gonna marry, I’m gonna marry that pretty little girl (x2)

52

John Hardy 4 1 John Hardy he was a desperate little man 4 1 He carried two guns ev'ry day 4 1 Killed him a man in the West Virginia land 5 1 Oughta seen poor Johnny gettin' away, oughta seen poor Johnny gettin' away John Hardy was standin' at the barroom door, didn't have a hand in the game Up stepped his wombat, threw down fifty cents Said, "Deal my wombat in the game''(x2) John Hardy he had ten miles to go, and half of that he run He run till he come to the broad river bank He fell to his breast and he swum (x2) He swum till he came to his mother's house, "My boy, what have you done?" ''I killed me a man in that West Virginia Land Now I know that I have to be hung''(x2) John Hardy was lyin' on the broad river bank, as drunk as a man could be Up step the police n' took him by the hand "Johnny boy, come and go with me''(x2) John Hardy, he stood inside his cell, tears running down his eyes Said "I've seen the death of many a poor boy And now I'm ready to die''(x2) I been to the East and I been to the West, I been this whole world 'round I been to the river and I been baptized, now I'm on my hanging ground (x2) 53

John Henry A part: 1 5 When John Henry was a little baby, a sitting on his papa's knee 1 4 1 He picked up a hammer and a little piece of steel 4 Said, hammer's gonna be the death of me, Lord, Lord 1 5 1 Hammer's gonna be the death of me Well, the captain said to John Henry, gonna bring me a steam drill 'round Gonna bring me a steam drill out on the job, gonna whup that steel on down John Henry said to his captain, a man ain't nothin' but a man And 'fore I let that steam drill beat me down, I'll die with a hammer in my hand John Henry said to his shaker, Shaker, why don't you sing?

I'm a throwin' nine pounds from my hips on down, listen to that cold steel ring John Henry was driving on the mtn. and his hammer was flashing fire And the last words I heard that poor boy say, cool drink of water fore I die John Henry, he drove fifteen feet, the steam drill only made nine He hammered so hard he broke his po' heart, laid down his hammer and he died John Henry had a pretty woman, her name was Polly Ann John Henry took sick 'n went to bed, Polly Ann drove steel like a man John Henry had a little baby, you could hold 'em in the palm of your hand The last words I heard that poor boy say, my daddy was a steel drivin' man Every Monday mornin' when the bluebird begins to sing You can hear John Henry a mile or more you can hear that hammer ring They took John Henry to the graveyard, and they buried him in the sand And every locomotive comes a roaring by says, there lies a steel driving man 54

Johnson Boys A part: 1 Have you heard of many a story 5 Told by young and old with joy 1 About the many deeds of daring That was done by the Johnson boys 5 1 That was done by the Johnson boys They were lads of skill and courage And their sight was very far And they joined the country's service In that awful civil war The Johnson boys were boys of honor They knew how to court the maids They knew how to hug and kiss them Hop up pretty girls don't be afraid They were scouts for the rebel army And were known far and wide When the Yankees saw them coming They threw down their guns and hide B part: 1 Hop up pretty girls don't be afraid 5 1 Hop up pretty girls don't be afraid (x2) 55

June Apple A part: 1 4 I wish I was a June apple, hanging on that tree 1 5 1 Every time my true love passed, she’d take a little bite of me Going 'cross the mountain I'm going in the spring And when I get to the other side I'll hear my true love sing Don't you hear that banjo sing I wish that gal was mine Can't you hear that fiddle sing I wish that gal was mine Goin' down to the river to feed my sheep Goin' down to the river Charlie Goin' down to the river to feed my sheep Feed them on Barley Charlie he’s a nice young man Charlie he’s a dandy Charlie he’s a nice young man He feeds the children candy I wish I had some sticks and poles To build my chimney higher Every time it rains or snows It puts out all my fire B part: 1111/7744/1111/1151 56

Keep My Skillet Good n' Greasy 1 6 Gonna get me sack of flour, bake me hoecakes every hour 1 Keep my skillet good 'n greasy all the time, time, time 1 5 1 Keep my skillet good 'n greasy all the time Cornbread 'n beans and them good ol' collard greens Keep my skillet good 'n greasy all the time, time, time...

Gonna Make me some corn puddin, now don’t you say I wouldn’t Keep that cast iron handy all the time, time, time...

Gonna get a jug of brandy, keep me good an fine an dandy Keep me good 'n drunk 'n boozy all the time, time, time...

Well honey if you say so, I won't never work no more I'll just lay around your shanty all the time, time, time...

Got some chickens in my sack, got the bloodhounds on my track Keep my skillet good 'n greasy all the time, time, time...

If they beat me to the door, I'll hide 'em in the floor Keep my skillet good 'n greasy all the time, time, time...

Well the gun it went blip, and the bullet it went zip Keep my skillet good 'n greasy all the time, time, time...

Walkin' down the street, and I stole a ham of meat Keep my skillet good 'n greasy all the time, time, time...

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Kitty Clyde A part: (chorus) 1 Say do you love me, Kitty Clyde, Kitty Clyde 5 Say do you love me Kitty Clyde 1 4 Say do you love me, my sweet little girl 1 5 1 Oh say do you love me Kitty Clyde B part: (same chords and melody) Oh I wish I was a little bee, a honey bee I'd never gather honey from a flower I would steal just one kiss from my sweet Kitty's lips And build a hive on her brow Oh I wish I was a fish, a little fish I'd never bite the hook nor the line I would swim, I would swim to the middle of the sea And leave all them big fish behind Oh I wish I was a little dove, a turtledove I would fly far over the sea I would fly, I would fly, but I never would return 'Til my sweetheart sent for me

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Lazy John A part: 1 5 1 Work all week in the noon day sun 5 1 Fifteen cents when Saturday come 5 1 Goin' to the dance to have some fun 5 1 Why don’t you get along Lazy John B part: (chorus) 1 4 1 Lazy John, Lazy John 5 1 Why don’t you get your days work all done 4 1 You're in the shade, I’m in the sun 5 1 Why don’t you get along Lazy John Every night when I get home Beans in the pot an the old jaw bone Here today, tomorrow he’s gone Why don’t you get along Lazy John I got a landlord, lives down the road His teeth is crooked and his legs are bowed He better hope I ain’t got a gun Why don’t you get along Lazy John Goin' to the dance on Saturday night We’re gonna dance 'til morning light Go to work at the break of dawn Why don’t you get away Lazy John 59

Let Me Fall 1 4 If I get drunk, if I get drunk 1 5 1 Just let me fall, little darlin', on the ground Oh me, oh my Let me fall, let me fall, let me fall Weap and moan, weap and moan Carry me home little darlin', take me home On the ground, on the ground Just let me fall, little darlin', on the ground Lay me down, lay me down Just lay me down little darling on the ground Old hard road, old hard road Kill me dead, kill me dead, kill me dead Tie my shoes, tie my shoes If I get drunk, little darlin; tie my shoes Let me fall, on my knees Let me fall little darlin' on my knees

60

Little Maggie 1 7 1 5 1 Oh it’s yonder stands little Maggie, got a dram glass in her hand 7 1 5 1 She's drinkin' to drown her troubles, and courting some other man Oh, how can I ever stand it, to see them two blue eyes Shining like some diamonds, pretty diamonds in the sky Come and go with me to the depot, got a suitcase in my hand Lord, I’m going away and leave you, you can hunt you another man (I’m going to some far distant land) Oh the last time I saw little Maggie, she was sitting on the banks of the sea Had the whiskey bottles all stacked around her, and a banjo on her knee Pretty flowers they’re made for blooming, pretty stars they’re made to shine Pretty women they’re made for loving, and little Maggie she’s made for mine Oh, I’d rather be off in some dark hollow, where the sun don’t never shine Than to think that you love some other, won’t be no little darling of mine Go away, go away little Maggie, go and leave me as fast as you can Gonna hunt me another woman, like you got you another man

Little Rabbit Ware’s Your Mammy A part: 1111/1155/1111/1151 B part: 1144/1155/1144/1151 Little rabbit where’s your mammy (x3) gone to Alabamy Little rabbit where’s your mammy-o (x3) dead and gone to glory-o 61

Liza Jane A part: 1111/1144/1111/1151 B part: 1 6 Oh Liza, oh Liza Jane 5 1 Oh Liza, ridin' on that train (or she got on that train) Wish I had a needle and thread, fine as I could sew Sew that pretty one to my side, down the road we’d go Hardest thing I ever did, was workin' on the train Easiest thing I ever did, was kiss on Liza Jane Hell and damn that, hell and damn that train Hell and damn that train that killed ol' Liza Jane

Liza Jane (Modalish) A part: 1 Asked that girl to marry me and this is what she said 1 5 1 Said she would not marry me if everyone else was dead Easiest job I ever had was breaking on the train Hardest job I ever had was lovin’ Liza Jane Goin’ to the mountain to raise a patch of cane Bring a barrel of sorghum to sweeten up Liza Jane When I went to see her she wrung her hands and cried Said I was the ugliest thing that ever lived or died Whiskey by the barrel and sugar by the pound Great big bowl to put ‘em in and a spoon to stir ‘em round You can climb the cherry and I will climb the rose How I love that pretty little gal god almighty knows B part: (chorus) 1155/1511 na na na na na na na 62

Liza Jane (Little) A part: 1 4 1 I got a gal in Arkansas... little Liza Jane 1 5 1 She's got a thing for the apple sauce... little Liza Jane B part: (chorus and same chords) Oh sweet Liza, little Liza Jane Oh sweet Liza, little Liza Jane (or ridin' on the train) I'm gonna marry her if I can...

She loves me 'cause I'm a union man...

Heard a speach from the President...

Wants to put me in a regiment...

I went to the draft and I stood in line...

Now I'm number 309...

They said in Congress yesterday...

'Take the right to strike away'...

They say the labor camps are fine...

To make the young folks toe the line...

I can't marry you today...

I can't afford it on my pay...

Cut the pay and raise the rents...

Its all for national defense...

Better make the government change its plan...

I aim to be a married man...

63

Mole in the Ground 1 5 I wish I was a mole in the ground, I wish I was a mole in the ground 1 4 1 If I's a mole in the ground, I'd root that mountain down 5 1 I wish I was a mole in the ground I wish I was a lizard in the spring (x2) If I's a lizard in the spring, I could hear my true love sing...

I don't like no railroad man (x2) 'Cause a railroad man will kill you if he can And drink up your blood like wine Tempie wants a nine dollar shawl (x2) When I come around the hill with my forty dollar bill She says baby where you been so long Baby where you been so long (x2) I been around the bend with the rough and rowdy men And now I am off to go again Baby let your hair hang down (x2) Let your bangs roll down, let them roll upon the ground...

If I was a salmon in the stream (x2) If I's a salmon in the stream, you could barely hear me scream...

I wish I was ants in your pants (x2) If I's ants in your pants, I could surely make you dance...

64

Molly Put the Kettle On A-B-C part: 1155/1151 Molly put the kettle on, Jenny ring the dinner horn Molly put the kettle on and we’ll all have tea Swing Sal, swing Sue, swing that gal with the run down shoe Swing Ma, swing Pa, swing that gal from Arkansas Swing Cal, swing Sus, swing T-Claw with the run down shoe Take her to the back and promenade all Pull that calico from the wall

My Horses Ain't Hungry 1 My horses ain't hungry, they won't eat your hay 5 1 So fare thee well Polly, I'm goin’ on my way Your parents don't like me, they say I'm too poor They say I'm unworthy to enter your door Go saddle me my pony my pretty little babe I'll ride out tomorrow but I'm coming back someday Oh yes I’ll go with you before I am told It’s your love that I wanted no silver, nor gold It's true I've no silver, It's true I've no gold It's true that I love you and now you've been told 65

New River Train A part: 1 5 Darlin' you can't love one, darlin' you can't love one 1 4 1 5 1 You can't love one and have any fun, oh darlin' you can't love one Darlin' you can't love two (x2) You can't love two and your little heart be true, oh darlin you can't love two Darlin' you can't love three (x2) You can't love three and still love me, oh darlin you can't love three Darlin' you can't love four (x2) You can't love four and love me anymore, oh darlin you can't love four B part: (chorus, same chords and melody) I'm ridin' on that new river train, ridin' on the new river train That same old train that brought me here, gonna carry me away again

66

Old Dan Tucker 1 4 Well I come to town the other night 5 1 I heard the noise and saw the fight 4 The watchman he was running around 5 1 Yelling «Old Dan Tucker has come to town» Get out the way, old Dan Tucker, you’re too late to get your supper Get out the way, old Dan Tucker, you’re too late to get your supper Now old Dan Tucker is come to town, riding a billy goat leading a hound Hound dog bark and billy goat jump, landed Dan Tucker on top of the stump Now old Dan Tucker is come to town, winging the ladies 'round and 'round First to the right and then to the left, then to the girl that he loves best Now old Dan Tucker he got drunk, fell in the fire and kicked up a chunk Red hot coal got in his shoe, and oh my lawd how the ashes flew

Old Joe A part: 6 1 Old Joe, Old Joe looks just like me B part: 1111/5555/1111/5551 67

Old Joe Clark A part: 1 I went round to Old Joe’s house, sat down at his table 5 1 Ate so much that hog-eyed meat, the grease ran out my navel I went down to Old Joe's house, found him sick in bed Put my fingers down his throat, and pulled out a chicken head Old Joe Clark he got sick, what do you reckon ailed him Drunk six quarts of possum soup, then his stomach failed him Old Joe Clark had a yellow cat, wouldnt sing nor pray Stuck her head in buttermilk jar, washed her sins away Old Joe Clark had a house, fifteen stories high Every story in that house, filled with chicken pie Wouldn't marry an American, tell you the reason why Blows his nose in old cornbread, calls it pumpkin pie Old Joe Clark had a cow, she was muley born Took a jaybird a week and a half to fly from horn to horn B part: (chorus) 1 7 Fare ye well, Old Joe Clark, goodbye Betty Brown (fare ye well, I say) 1 5(or7) 1 Fare ye well, Old Joe Clark, bound to leave this town (I'm goin' another day)

68

Old Napper A part: 1 Napper comes to my house 4 5 I thought he come to see me 1 Then I come to find out 5 1 He coaxed my wife to leave me B part: 1 5 1 Poor Old Napper, Poor Old Napper, couldn’t get away (x2) He goes to his cabin, he said he loved her more My rifle shot came flyin’, laid him on the floor Napper he had money land, and later so he said But, If he’d of stayed at home last night, I wouldn’t of kilt’ him dead

Ol’ Yellar Dog Come Trottin’ Through the Meetin’ House A part: 1 Ol’ yellar dog come trottin’ through the meetin’ house, 5 1 Trottin’ through the meetin’ house, trottin' through the meetin' house, 5 1 Ol’ yellar dog come trottin’ through the meetin’ house, down in Alabam’ B part: 1 4 1 6 1 4 1 5 1 Brave girls here, brave girls here, brave girls here, way down in Alabam’ 69

Ol' Man Can Yr Dog Cacha Rabbit 1 Old man can your dog catch a rabbit, take 'em n' try'em, take 'em n' try'em (x2) Old man can your pony carry double...

Old man does your daughter wanna marry, I don't know, I don't know Make my home where the sun is always shinnin', it's never grey, it never rains

Paddy Won't You Drink Some g.o.c A part: 1 You be the horse and I'll be the rider Going to Paddy Watson's to get some cider B part: 1 4 Paddy won't you drink some, Paddy won't you drink some 1 5 1 Paddy won't you drink some good ol' cider Had a little cider last night, a little night before sir Going out tomorrow night to get a little more sir Paddy won't you drink some, Paddy won't you drink some Paddy won't you drink some good ol' cider

Pretty Little Widow A part: 1 5 1 Oh my my, pretty little widder, if I was a young boy, I’d go and get her She don't like me 'cuz I'm rough n' rowdy, everytime I see her, hardly tells me, "howdy."

When I go away I'll write no letter, but I'll come back when I feel a little better B part: 1177/1151 70

Policeman 1 Police come didn’t wanna go this mornin' 4 1 Police come didn’t wanna go this mornin' 4 1 5 1 Police come didn’t wanna go, shot 'em in the head with my 44' this mornin' Police come to my back door, keep your finger on the trigger and your eye on the hog Roll your dice have a little fun this mornin', run like the devil when the police come 'Larm bell rang didn’t wanna go this mornin', told my boss to sweep the floor Taxman come wanted him some, but I wanted it all and I didn’t have none Bullfrog jumped from bank to bank, skinned him on his belly from head to shank I got drunk and fell on the floor, good corn likker and I want some more Preacherman come called me his son, told that preacherman he better run Two little kids layin in bed this mornin, one rolled over to the other and said I got something aint gonna tell, don’t wanna go to heaven so im goin to hell

Raleigh and Spencer 1 Raleigh and Spencer alone in this town (are Burnin' Down) 5 1 There ain't no more liquor in this town (x2) I’ll pawn you my shoes for a bottle of booze Drink it and lay right down and die I can eat more chicken than anyone can fry, I can tell more low down lies I can tell more lies than the stars in the skies, never get to heaven when I die Eat more beans than you can cook in a week I’ll eat em and lay right down and die Trade you my life for a big piece of pie , I’ll eat it and lay right down and die You can stomp on the flowers that grow roun my grave Watch them bloom and rise again Watcha gonna do when your money's all gone Hang down your weary head and cry 71

Red Rocking Chair 4 1 4 1 I ain't got no use, I ain't got no use 6 For that red rocking chair (apple juice) 1 6 I ain't got no sugar baby now 1 5 1 I ain't got no honey baby now Who'll rock the cradle (x2) and who'll sing this song Who'll be your honey when I'm gone (x2) I'll rock the cradle (x2) and I'll sing this song I'll rock the cradle when you're gone (x2) Laid her in the shade (x2) gave her every dime I made What more could a poor boy do (x2) It’s all I can do (x2) and it’s all I can say I'll sing it to your mama next payday (x2) Some old rounder come along (x2) took my sugar babe and gone And I ain't got no sugar baby now And I ain't got no honey baby now It's who'll call me honey (x2) and who will sing that song Who will rock the cradle when you're gone (x2)

72

Reuben’s Train 1 I'm a-riding on this train, there are tears in my eyes 7 1 Tryin' to read a letter from my home...

1 7 1 Oh me, oh my, [he run it to the Lord knows where] (or the end of [last verse]) If this train runs me right, I'll be home Wednesday night For I'm nine hundred miles from my home...

(And I hate to hear that lonesome whistle blow) Reuben had a train went from Portland to Maine Couldn’t get no letter’s from his home...

Well, this train I ride on is a hundred coaches long You can hear her whistle blow a hundred miles...

If my woman says so, I won't railroad no more I'll sidetrack that wheeler and go home...

Old Reuben made a train, and he put it on the track He run it to the Lord knows where...

You oughta been in town, to see old Reuben's train go down You could hear the whistle blow a hundred miles...

I've been to the East, and I've been to the West I'm going to the one I love the best...

Last night I laid in jail, had no money for to go my bail Lord how it sleeted and it snowed...

I got myself a blade, laid ol' Reuben in the shade I'm startin' me a graveyard of my own 73

Ride Ol' Buck to Water A part: 1 Ride ol' buck to water (x3) 5 1 Sold it for a dollar and a quarter B part: 1111/1151 Saw him down at the foot of the hill If he hadn't come back, I'd been a standin' there still

Roll on Buddy 1 4 1 Roll on buddy roll on, roll on buddy roll on 4 1 6 1 5 1 You wouldn't roll so slow if you knew what I know, roll on buddy roll on I'm goin' to the East, Karo (x3) going to the west, to the one I love the best My home is down in Tennessee, in Tennessee where I want to be, sunny TN

Rolling Mills is Burning Down 1 Oh them rolling mills is burning down, plumb down 5 Oh them rolling mills is burning down 1 6 Them rolling mills is burning down, plumb down, to the ground 1 5 1 And they'll never build them back anymore Oh darlin’, oh darlin’, run here, I don’t want to see you cry The best of friends will fall out and fight, and it’s why not you and I Oh, go and get your revolver, come shoot out my brains For I'd rather be dead and buried in my grave, than to be in the trouble I'm in There's a pain in my finger, I know, there's a pain in my toe There's a pain in my true love's side, where somebody fooled her I know 74

Sail Away Ladies A part: 1 5 1 Soon as I get my new house done, sail away ladies, sail away 5 1 I’ll give the old one to my hun, sail away ladies, sail away Hush little darlin’ don’t you cry...

I’m gonna love you bye and bye (or you’ll be an angel…)

I’ve gotta home in Tennessee (or I find my home in…)

There ain’t no place I’d rather be...

Come along boys and come with me (or girls) I’ll take ya back to Tennessee...

Playin’ tunes and rubbin’ knees...

There ain’t no place I’d rather be...

If the landlord asks for rent I’m sunk...

I’ll go to the bar and get piss drunk...

B part: 1 4 1 Don’t you rock em’ Daddio, don’t you rock ‘em Daddio, 5 1 Don’t you rock em’ Daddio, sail away ladies, sail away

Sail Away Ladies (Modal) 1 Me and my gal we went to town, sail away ladies, sail away She went to buy a ten dollar gown...

Looked at the green, looked at the red... I'll take them both is what she said...

She tried on one she looked so neat... Then she found another man to meet...

Now ol' gal, I guess we're through... You's my gal and another man's too...

Now ol' gal, you've done me wrong... When I leave I'm a long time gone...

Now ol' gal look what you've done... You put an end to all our fun...

Went upstairs, pack my trunk... I'm agoin' to the bar and I'm gonna get drunk 75

Sally Ann A part: 1111/1155/1144/5511 B part: 1 Ride the buggy, yes I am 5 1 Ride in the buggy, Sally Ann Sally Ann, Sally Ann I’m going to the wedding, yes I am I’m a-going to the wedding old Sally Ann Greenback dollar Greenback dollar, good as gold Sift your meal and save your bran The old cow needs it Sally Ann C part: How in the world can I swing Susan Susan’s done and gone She’s done and gone (or “she’s gone away”) Susan’s gone away Sally’s in the garden sifting sand Susan’s in bed with the hog-eye man I’m going home with Sally Ann I’m going homw with Sally Ann Who in the world in the doggone nation’s Throwing them rocks at me All of them rocks, all them rocks, all of them rocks at me 76

Sandy Boys A part: 1 Somebody stole my old coon dog 4 Wish they’d bring him back 1 Run the old sow over the fence 5 1 Little ones through the cracks B part:1111/1177/1111/1151 Hey hey sandy boys, hey get along I say Hey hey sandy boys, waitin' on the break of day Mama lies sick in bed, papa’s gone to town Charlie wears them high top boots, wish that he’d come around

Say Darlin' Say 1 4 Hush little darlin', don’t say a word 1 Daddy’s gonna buy you a mockingbird 5 1 Say darlin say If that mocking bird don’t sing, daddy’s (or momma) gonna buy you a diamond ring...

If that diamond ring turns brass, daddy’s (or papa) gonna buy you a looking glass...

If that lookin glass get broke, daddy's gonna buy you a billy goat...

If that billy goat fall down, you'll still be the prettiest girl in town...

If that billy goat won’t pull, daddy gonna buy you a cart and bull...

If that cart and bull fall over, daddy gonna by you Dog named rover...

If ol' rover stinks and bites, daddy gonna buy you a cock to fights...

If that cock gone and get killed, we’ll go to Richmond you’ll be thrilled...

Say little darlin' would ya marry me, we could build a house by the old oak tree...

The old oak tree we’ll build our home, never more in this world to roam...

We could get married by the old oak tree, children bouncing on daddy's knee...

Starch and iron would be my trade, you can get drunk and lay in the shade...

77

Say Ol’ Man Can I Have Your Daughter A part: 1 4 Say old man can I have your daughter 1 5 1 To make my bread and carry my water Yes sir, yes sir, you can take her But she won’t come, and I can’t make her B part: 1111/1151/1111/1151

Shady Grove 5 Shady Grove, my little love 1 4 Shady Grove, my darlin' 1 Shady Grove, my little love 5 Goin' back to Harlen Coffee grows on the white oak tree, the river flows with brandy The rocks on the hills are covered with gold, and the girls are sweet as candy Did you think my little miss, that I would live without you I'll let you know before I go, I hear so little about you Every time I take that road, it's always dark and cloudy Every time I see that girl, I always tell her howdy If I had no horse at all, I'd be found a-crawlin' Up and down this rocky road, a-looking for my darling Peaches in the summertime, apples in the fall If I can't get the girl I love, I won't have none at all 78

Shortenin' Bread A part: 1 4 Three little children, lying in bed 1 5 1 Two was sick an' the other 'most dead Sent for the doctor, the doctor said 5 1 Give those children some short'nin' bread B part: 1 Mama's little baby loves short'nin', short'nin' 5 1 Mama's little baby loves short'nin' bread Put on the skillet, slip on the lid Mama's gonna make a little short'nin' bread That ain't all she's gonna do Mammy's goin' to make a little coffee too When those children, sick in bed Heard that talk about short'nin' bread Popped up well to dance and sing Skipped around and cut the pigeon wing Slipped to the kitchen, slipped up the lid Filled my pocket full of short'nin' bread Stole the skillet, stole the lid Stole the gal makin' short'nin' bread Caught me with the skillet, caught me with the lid Caught me with the gal makin' short'nin' bread Paid a dollar for the skillet, a dollar for the lid Spent a year in jail eatin' short'nin' bread 79

Sinners Have Come 6 1 6 By the way the river has run, I know the sinners have come 1 6 And by the way the way branches do sway, I know the sinners have come Preacher man with that good book in his hand, listen my daughters and sons By the way the righteous do pray, I know the sinners have come Beneath our souls the ground has turned cold, and the sky has darkened above By the way the branches do sway, I know the sinners have come

Soldier’s Joy A part: 1 5 Fifteen cents for the morphine, twenty-five cents for the beer 1 5 1 Fifteen cents for the morphine, gonna take me away from here B part: 1144/1155/1144/1511 Grasshopper sittin' on a sweet potato vine (x3) Long come a chicken and says its mine Love somebody yes I do (x3) Ain't gonna tell you who Dance all night and fiddle all day (x3) That's the soldier's joy they say Sun comes up and the moon goes down (x3) See my little Sally in her morning gown 80

Sourwood Mountain A part: 1 4 Roosters a-crowin' on Sourwood Mountain 1 5 1 Hi ho fiddle, I ay 1 4 So many pretty ones you can't count 'em 1 5 1 Hi ho fiddle I ay My true love's a blue-eyed daisy If I don't get her, I'll go crazy Big dogs bark and little ones bite you Big girls court and little ones spite you My love lives at the head of the holler She won't come and I won't foller My true love lives over the river A few more jumps and I'll be with her Ducks in the pond, geese in the ocean Devil's in the women if they take a notion B part: (chorus) 1 5 1 Roosters a-crowin' on Sourwood Mountain, hi ho 5 1 So many pretty ones you can't count 'em, hi ho fiddle I ay 81

Sow 'em on the Mountain 1 Sow 'em on the mountain, reap 'em in the valley (x3) 5 1 You gonna reap just what you sow If you've been a gambler, better quit your gamblin' (x3)...

If you been a tattler, you better quit your tattlin' (x3)...

If you been a liar, you better you quit your lyin' (x3)...

If you been a cheatin', you better you quit your cheatin' (x3)...

If you been a warrin', you better quit your warrin' (x3)...

Squirrel Heads and Gravy A Part: 1111/1155/1144/1151 B Part: 1 Squirrel heads and gravy 1 5 Squirrel heads and sauce 1 4 1 5 1 Squirrel heads and gravy, I want to eat them all night long (every day)

Sugar in the Gourd A part: 1 I met her on the road, and she danced on a board 4 1 Tuned up my fiddle and gave her sugar in the gourd Sugar in the gourd and I can't get it out 5 1 And the way to get the sugar out, roll the gourd about 82

Starry Crown A part: 1 5 I met old Satan through the door 1 5 And I hit him on the head with a two by four 1 5 1 And I’m gonna wear that starry crown, over there I met old Satan down the lane And I hit in on the head with a walking cane And I’m gonna wear that starry crown over there I met old Satan round the stump And I gave him a kick for every jump And I’m gonna wear that starry crown over there I met old Satan through the door And I hit him on the head a two by four And I’m gonna wear that starry crown over there B part: (chorus) 1 4 Over there, over there, 1 5 I’m gonna wear that starry crown over there 1 5 1 5 For I got no skillet and I got no lid, ashcake tastes like shortenin' bread 1 5 1 And I’m gonna wear that starry crown, over there

83

Sugar Hill A part: (B part same chords) 1 If you want to get your eye knocked out 4 If you want to get your fill 1 If you want to get your head chopped off 5 1 Just climb ol' sugar hill Jay bird on the mountain top And a red bird on the ground Black bird in the sugar tree Shaking that sugar down They said she got mighty sick And what do you recking ailed her Drunk three quarts of sugar top And then ther stomach failed her Thirteen cents in pocket change And don't you hear it jingle I'm going to court them pretty gals As long as I stay single Yonder comes my own true love. and how do you think I know Tell her by her shoe fly dress, that comes from sugar store Get your banjo off the wall, grab your fiddle, Bill Hitch the horses to the sleigh, we'll climb old sugar hill I'm getting lonesome for my gal, I want a drink of rye I'm going up to sugar hill, and you know the reason why 84

That Boy I Love 1 I don't want no sugar in my tea 4 I don't want no sugar in my tea 5 1 That boy I love, is sweet enough for me I don't want no gravy on my rice I don't want no gravy on my rice That boy I love done stole my appetite Woke up this mornin', blues three different ways Woke up this mornin', the blues three different ways An to my to leave you, only one to stay Rather drink muddy water, sleep in a hollow tree Rather drink muddy water, sleep in a hollow tree Than to hear that sweet boy, he don't want me I aint good lookin', teeth don't shine like pearls I aint good lookin', teeth don't shine like pearls So glad good looks don't take you through this world I'm leavin here, I sure don't want to go I'm leavin here, I sure don't want to go I'm goin to the city, sure don't want to go

85

Train on the Island 1 4 1 Train on the island, hear that whistle blow 4 1 5 Go and tell my true love, I'm sick and I can't go 1 4 5 1 Go and tell my true love, I'm sick and I can't go Train on the island, listen to it squeal Go and tell my true love how happy I do feel (x2) (I can’t roll the wheel) Steam from the whistle, smoke from the stacks Goin' to catch that 518, I'm never comin' back (x2) Bring me a sip of water, bring it in a cup Me and my man done split up, and we're never gonna make up (x2) Show me the crow that flies so high and show me the one that falls If I can't get the man I love, I don't want none at all (x2) Went out over the mountain, to hear that banjo ring Went out over the other side just to hear my darling sing (x2) Make me a banjo out of a gourd, string it up with twine The only tune that it would play, I wish that man were mine (x2) Train on the island, headed for the north Go and tell my true love, he don't know what she's worth (x2) Train on the island, headed for the West Me and my man done split up, perhaps its for the best (x2) Train on the island, headed for the East Goin tell my true love, I’m gonna fix us up a feast (x2) 86

Trouble in Mind 1 Trouble in mind, I'm blue, but I won't be blue always ‘Cause, the sun gonna shine, on my back door someday I'm goin' down, down to the river, I'm gonna take my rockin' chair Lord, if the blues overtake me, I'm gonna rock on away from here I'm gonna lay, lay my head, on some sad, old railroad iron I'm gonna let that 2:19, pacify my mind Trouble in mind, that's true, I have almost lost my mind Life ain't worth living, I feel like I could die Trouble in mind, I'm blue, my poor heart is healing slow I've never had such trouble in my whole life before Well it's trouble, oh trouble, trouble on my worried mind, When you see me laughin' I'm laughin' just to keep from cryin' You been a hard-hearted mama, great god! you been unkind Gonna be a cold, cold papa, cause you to lose your mind I'm all alone at midnight, and my lamp is burnin' low Ain't never had so much, trouble in my life before Lookee here, sweet mama, see what you have done, done Why you made me love you, now you're reg'lar man done come Now all you men's the same, but now I'm old enough to change my name Lord, that sun's gonna shine in my back door someday Trouble in mind, I'm blue, but I won't be blue always Child, that wind's gonna come and blow my blues away 87

Very Smelly Whiff On Me 1 Take a whiff, take a whiff, take a whiff on me 4 Everybody take a whiff on me 5 1 Hey hey, baby take a whiff on me Grizzlin' in the mornin', grizzlin' at night Grizzle all the time 'cause it feels so right...

Grizzle in the mornin' grizzle in bed Trash in the fridge, trash on my head…

Playin' in a dumpster dodgin' the meat Got fifty pounds of sugar and a big block of cheese…

Got a two string guitar, forty in my hand We really are tone deaf so join our band…

Shakin' it, shakin' it at the show I smell bad don’t ya know…

Got off the hound from a three day ride Smells like something crawled in me and died…

We’re such good friends you know its true Might smell bad but I smell like you…

Went down South to see my dad He said “Hun, you sure smell bad.”

So I turned around and went back to Olympia 88

Walkin' in my Sleep A part: 1 Walkin' in my sleep, babe Walkin' in my sleep 5 4 Every time I close my eyes (up and down that dixie line) 5 1 I end up on my feet B part: 1 5 If you see that gal of mine tell her if you please 1 If she loves another man I will set her free Bake them biscuits baby bake them good and brown When I eat my breakfast, I'm West Virginia bound Pain in my finger pain in my toe Pain in my ankle bone ain't gonna work no more Yonder come that gal of mine how do you think I know Know her by her golden curls hangin' down so low

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Washin’ Jim A part: 5 1 My dog Jim, my dog Jim, o’ he does like to play 5 1 He went over to Mica’s house, and played in the mud all day B part: 1 Washin’ Jim, washin’ Jim, soaps and suds all over him 5 1 Washin’ Jim, washin’ Jim, soaps and suds all over him In his ears, out his nose, wash the dirt between his toes Round’ his eyes, over his legs, paws as fat as tuning pegs Washin’ Jim, washin’ Jim, washin’ Jim all day Washin’ Jim, washin’ Jim, no Jim you can’t play Washin’ Jim, washin’ Jim, washin’ Jim all over the hill Washin’ Jim washin’ Jim, washin’ Jim all over the hill My dog Jim, took a swim, for to wash the dirt off him My dog Jim, took a swim, for to wash the dirt off him

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Waterbound A part: 1 Chickens crowin' in the old plowed field (ol' pine tree) 5 Chickens crowin' in the old plowed field 1 4 Chickens crowin' in the old plowed field 1 5 1 Down in North Carolina Rivers up cain’t get across (x3)...

I'm waterbound can’t get home (x3)...

Old mans mad and I don’t care (x3) fell in love with his daughter If he don’t let her go, were gonna run away (x3)...

Wake up Charlie let's go home (x3) before the water rises Logged the trees down in Brentwood Killed the bees down in Brentwood Logged the trees, killed the bees, down in Tennessee y'all Pave your heart down in Brentwood Save your soul down in Brentwood Pave your heart save your soul, down in Tennessee y'all Stay all night, don’t go home Stay all night, don’t go home Stay all night, don’t go home Stay with me ‘til morning B part: 4444/1111/4444/1151 91

Western Country, Susannah Gal, Pretty Little Miss A part: 1144/1155/1144/1511 B part: 1 Fly around my pretty little miss, fly around my daisy 1 5 1 Fly around my pretty little miss, you almost drive me crazy Going to get some weevily wheat, I’m going to get some barley Going to get some weevily wheat, and bake a cake for Charlie How'd you make you living now, Susan-anna gal Drinking whiskey and playing cards, Susan-anna gal I'm going to the Western Country, Susan-anna gal I'm going to the Western Country, Susan-anna gal I wish I was in the Western Country, sittin' in a big armchair One arm around my whiskey jug, the other round a leg of deer Cheeks as red as a blooming rose, eyes of the prettiest brown I'm goin' to see my pretty little miss, before the sun goes down The ring that's on my true love's hand, it shines as bright as gold I'm goin' to see my pretty little miss, even if it rains or snows Head was like a coffee pot, nose was like a spout mouth was like a fireplace, with the ashes all raked out

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If you see that girl of mine, I wish that you would tell her To be true to her soldier boy, and have no other feller

Whiskey Before Breakfast A part: Early one morning 'fore the sun could shine I was walkin' down the street, not feelin' so fine I saw two old men with a bottle between 'em And this is the song that I heard them singin' B Part: 1 Lord protect us, Saints preserve us 5 We been drinkin' whiskey 'fore breakfast I passed by the steps where they were a' sittin' I couldn't believe how drunk they were gettin' I said "Old men you been drinkn' long?"

"Long enough to be singin' this song" They handed me a bottle, said, "Take a little sip" And it felt so good, I just couldn't quit So I took a little more, next thing I knew There were three of us sittin' there singin' this tune One by one everybody in town Heard our ruckus and they all came down Pretty soon all the streets were a-ringin' With the sound of the whole town laughin' and singin' 93

Wide Open Spaces A part: (chorus) 4 5 Trouble in mind ever since I was born 4 Its trouble still left to be found 1 We all find ourselves in trouble sometimes 5 1 And its hard to get your feet back on the ground B part: 4 1 My hearts been in a blender ever since I can remember 6 And I don’t know what it is that I done 5 You know I can’t help but break the law sometimes 4 1 And that law man’s bound to come An now each night I dream of those wide open spaces And a home up among the pines And a place so far away from all that city noise And a little piece of mind And its hard to believe that the lifestyle we lead Could ever be considered a crime I just want to take a walk out in the woods at night And smoke a joint from time to time Now I spend all my days way up in the cascades And lets leave this whole city behind I just have to spend some time under the cold night sky For to keep me satisfied 94

Willow Garden 1 4 1 6 Down in the willow garden, where me and my true love did meet 1 4 1 5 1 There we went a courtin', my love fell off to sleep 4 1 4 1 6 I had a bottle of burgundy wine, my love she did not know 1 4 1 5 1 It was there I poisoned that dear little girl, down on the banks below I drew a saber through her, it was a bloody knife I threw her into the river, which was a dreadful sight My father oft had told me, that money would set me free If I would murder that dear little girl, whose name was Rose Connelly My father sits at his cabin door, wiping his tear dimmed eyes For his only son soon shall walk, to yonder scaffold high My race is run beneath the sun, the scaffold now waits for me For I did murder that dear little girl, whose name was Rose Connelly No more, we'll sit in the garden, no more will lie beneath the stay A dreamin' on a future which never will be ours I loved that girl with all my heart, I loved her as my life Whatever was I thinking, when I layed her down to die

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Yodelady A part: 1 4 1 We were campin', we were boilin' up some beans 4 1 Makin' coffee, with the water from the stream 4 1 We slept outside and we slept inside too 4 1 With so many nights of sleepin' I only want to sleep with you B part: 1 4 1 Yodelady, yodelady of my dreams 4 1 Yodelady and you make my blood run clean 4 1 Yodelady, yodelady of my dreams 5 4 1 Yodelady, yodelady, yodelady You came dancin' through the landscape of my sleep Then you asked me, what if I'm the one you wed I tried to kiss you, but I got drunk instead You broke my lonliness, when you came to me and smiled And I would never think you’d hear me shout You broke me like an egg over the hills and valleys Well folks I was a yolk of love broken and playin' on the trees

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T-Claw Here, It is great you’re interested in square dance calling. I decided to include this in the songbook, to try to get more people calling dances. This is part of the Dare To Be Square Calling Zine that is an ongoing work in progress. It is always good to have something in writing. However, I have found that the old books written in the 60’s and 70’s don’t help me that much. What I need, is to get calls from people who are calling now.

To learn a fiddle tune I jam and jam and jam until the tune is stuck in my head, and then all of a sudden I can play it. My approach to learning dances is similar, I dance and dance and dance, until the calls and the motions are flowing right out of me.

Sometimes recordings or written lyrics can really help solidify what you already know. With that being said, this handbook does not spell out, word for word how to teach someone to do si do or even the Texas Star figure. I give you some tips, some background, and some calls. If you don’t already know how to dance the dance or what each of the calls mean, then you should find someone who does and dance it more before you try to call. I am not supposing that everyone learns through experience it’s just that, to learn how to call, you just have to do it. Figure out the calls to one easy dance, crank up the music, have a drink, and teach your friends how to dance.

It is great to try it out on people whop haven’t danced before because they will be ignorant and have fun anyways, but it is also nice to start out with dancers who know what they are doing and don’t need as much prodding or assistance in getting going. I learned how to call out of necessity. I was playing old time music for a couple of years and had never seen a square dance happen in Olympia except for the annual May Day Hoedown. Get that? Annual. That just ain’t enough dancin’. So, I channeled the punk kids going crazy at shows into a whirlwind of traditional square dance furry.

I learned my first few dances as a team at Dare to be Square West 2007. We all were taught the calls from Bill Martin and then just started dancing and chiming in with the calls as we were able. What I learned in this hour long workshop is that you can’t rely on workshops and festivals to learn how to call. They will bring out dance and music masters, but for the most part “they” learned just by doing it. They can give you some insight and tricks of the trade, but they will not put you up there and turn you into a caller.

When you are doing dances without sound systems, a loud steel guitar, resonator banjo, or monster bucket bass can be your best friend. Practice yelling doesn’t hurt also. If you got a wood floor to work with, wear boats and just stomp away. The dancers and any ramshackle band will fall in line.

In the future more descriptions of dance moves and figures, more dance calls, more history, and more pictures can be included in this zine. This is meant as a starting place and to give you something to take home. It is also meant to be altered, replicated, distributed by the community.

So by all means, lets have the zine grow with the community. If you have more dance calls to contribute or just want an electronic copy of this (for easy editing) let me know. Hold Fast and Never Let Go! More Questions or for submissions of content, hit me up.

T-Claw roundandpointy@gmail.com 615-430-8230 97

OLD KING BUBBA'S SUGGESTIONS for teaching square dances.

1.

I like scripts for teaching the moves and figures. You can ad lib within the script, but the script is like a foundation. For example, when I teach a right hand turn I use variations on this script: "Join right hands with your partner. Use a thumbs-up arm wrestling grip. Elbows down, joined hands up. Strong arm muscle; don't stretch your arms out. Now walk around each other, pulling away from the center so it feels like riding a merry-go-round." I've worked that out over time so that it tells people what I think they need to know. Its memorized, I can say it automatically, I use pantomime and gestures at the same time, and there are just enough words to get people all the way around each other. You need to come up with your own language that fits your personality and agenda. Personally, I find it a real aid to have a few well thought out boilerplate instructions for the dance elements that are important to me, rather than ad lib and work out stuff on the fly.

When you move into the teaching phase, pare down your words. The more you talk the less they listen. Use a little bit different voice for the commands, to separate the basic instruction from the banter. (For instance, I slow down my tempo and simplify my phrases when I change, even in mid-sentence, from chatting to instructing.)

Use consistent descriptions from one dance to the next. "Swing" in this walk-through means the same in the next dance, etc. And incorporate the call into your teaching so the dancers aren't surprised and bamboozled when you start shouting "Couple one rip 'n' snort!"

2.

Its fun to make up calls, of course, but you need to recognize your role as a tradition-bearer. The oldfashioned calls are as much a part of square dancing as the fiddling. Its better to have a good repertoire of call lines that you can dip into for variety, rather than make up calls. Wait a few years until you really understand the rhythm and flow of the dancing and the place calling has in that.

4.

Analyze your dances. Know ahead what parts of the dance will need careful or extra teaching so you don’t get a nasty surprise when you trot the thing out at the next square dance. a. Use physical demonstration (including pantomime) in place of verbal descriptions as much as possible. b. Practice any teaching language or demonstration ahead of time if you can, just like you practice the actual calling. c. Use demonstrations to isolate and teach the tricky parts. d. Just demonstrate short sections, rarely the whole dance. Don't show more than dancers can absorb.

5.

Its okay to use stop-and-go in the first walkthrough. If you've had to do a lot of teaching, walk through the dance a final time without stopping. Go slower than dance tempo, but make it flow along naturally.

6.

Trust people to get it and they will. Don't be afraid to start the dance. Avoid excessive walk through repetitions, it will never be perfect. People will learn on the fly. (You've heard that rousing cheer when they have finally nailed the dance.)

7.

Always pay attention to how other callers teach. New callers tend to focus on learning new dances from other callers, but its way more important to watch how they teach. Dances are everywhere and a dime a dozen. But there ain't no books on how to teach a crowd to dance. Pick it apart mentally, see what works, make note of what doesn't work. Learn by watching and listening critically. Imagine how you would do it better. You don't need to confront them with their errors, just be aware, and be willing to learn from their example, positive or negative.

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8.

Practice, practice, practice your calls and your teaching language. Try them out on your cat. Rehearse the movements you will use to pantomime or demonstrate aspects of the dance. Don't just visualize it, get up and do it physically. Judge your teaching from the viewpoint of a dancer, and be brutal. I've seen more dances bog down while a caller fumbles and bumbles and tries to invent a description of the dance on the fly.

Clear teaching before the music starts is way more important than an interesting call during the dance. The teaching should move right along. Experience will enable you to spot what part of your walk-through is not working for a particular crowd. ______________________________________________________________________ NOTES ON CALLING A ONE-NIGHT-STAND, WEDDING, ETC. The main thing at a one-night-stand is to get on the side of the dancers. Kid them about their possible reluctance to dance, their fear of looking dumb. And be the biggest fool on the dance floor. By joking about your own dance skills in a self-deprecatory way, and by mixing with the crowd and dancing with them, you give them permission to make mistakes and loosen up. Don’t bother pushing people to dance at a more challenging level than you would normally expect them to do. That is your ego trip and it has nothing to do with why these people have gathered together this night. A one-night-stand is less a test of your teaching skills than it is a challenge to develop hosting skills. You are the host, the life, of the party. You’re the one who slaps people on the back and cajoles them into dancing. You wear the lampshade and crack the jokes. A one-night-stand is a party, not a dance class. Keep it very simple, keep it moving at a speedy pace, keep them laughing.

Never stand behind the mic and beg people to come out and dance. Go get them, physically invite them in to the party. I often start off these dances by announcing: “Folks, So-and-so (the bride and groom, the CEO, etc.) has asked us to lead you all through a few old-fashioned dances. You don’t have to know a thing about dancing to do this stuff. You don’t even have to like dancing! We’ll teach you everything and show you how to do it. For the first dance you don’t even need a partner. I’m not going to teach it; you just have to be able to hang on and go for the ride.” With that, the band starts playing and I grab a couple of people who are obviously game, like the bride and groom, and start forming up a long line. We course amongst the tables and hallways until we have a good-sized crew. I lead them out onto the floor and we do the grand march spiraling figure that turns inside out. We might do that twice, and then open into a circle, circle left and right, into the center and back and finally clap along to the music until the band is finished. After that you’ve got them. Tell them to choose a partner and get back in the circle.

For the second dance I often choose a circle mixer that ends with a promenade. After dancing the mixer a few times, I go out on the floor and pick a lead couple and have them follow me from the bottom of the hall up through the center of the circle to the top, signaling the other couples to follow the leaders. This forms long-ways sets automatically and everyone has a new partner to dance a long-ways dance with. After that it is usually time for a break.

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HOW TO PLAN A FULL LENGTH DANCE PROGRAM by the great Bill Martin Organize your dances progressively, so that you introduce new figures, moves and concepts on a learning curve rather than all at once. Start off very easy and fun, just to get people moving with the music.

Call a mixer for your second or third dance. Another one later, or early in the last half. Mixers can jazz up the energy of a crowd, and they do mix people all together. Which is a good subconscious lesson to sneak up on them, since these dance parties are intended to create a socializing stir.

Its not easy to judge when is the best time to finish a dance. 4-couple squares, of course, are self-limiting. They have a natural end point. But the whole set long-ways dances and the Appalachian big circle dances, them are horses of a different hue. Its better to quit while people are doing well, before fatigue sets in. Leave them wanting more. But don't end the dance too soon. Sometimes it takes awhile for the group as a whole to get the dance working. If it seems to be coming together and the dancers are starting to dig it, let the dance run on awhile.

I like to include couple dances. Seems like Portland musicians will only play waltzes, so at least 2 waltzes. (If you have a band that can play the music, you might included a schottische, polka, swing dance, 2-step, or whatever.)

It’s a good idea to take a break at some point. The musicians can use a rest, and so can your voice. Keep it short or people will start leaving.

If you have some more difficult dances, save them until the middle or just after the middle of the dance. By that time people will have some skills down and will be warmed up and still sharp. They won't be ready earlier and they will be too fatigued later.

Place one or two easy but active dances that require little teaching at the very end of the evening. The dancers will be getting tired by then and won't tolerate a long teaching session. They just want to get moving at that time. You will leave them with a feeling of success.

Be prepared to wad up your dance plan and toss it in the trash. As the host of the party you need to adjust your program of dances to fit the tenor of the dance crowd. If the dances you planned on calling turn out to be too difficult, you will have to substitute easier ones. But don't let them see you perspire and wring your hands. They'll have you for lunch.

Make any announcements after you get people formed up for a dance and before you begin teaching it. You have their attention then and you can make short work of it.

CHECK OUT THESE ARTICLES ONLINE FOR INFO ON SQUARE VS. CONTRA The Old-Time Herald Volume 1, Number 6 (Winter 1988-89) The Dance Beat / Issues in Old Time Music Community Dances in the Eighties: Dare To Be Square!

The Old-Time Herald Volume 9, Number 3 Dance Beat/Issues in Old-Time Music Old-Time Square Dancing in the 21st Century: Dare to be Square!

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Family Dances New callers and new dancers are a great combination. If you make a few mistakes and keep smiling, no one will know the difference. One of my favorite dances to start with is the Virginia Reel. Gender identification is optional.

Don’t be afraid to have call and response calling, because kids love it and they are learning. At the last family dance I did, I got 6 kids up on stage to learn and call into the microphone. They loved it and they were great.

Galopede (longways set) All go forward and back All pass through to the other side (trade places with partner) All go forward and back All pass through back to original place Right hand turn partner Left hand turn partner Top couple dance to the bottom and all others move up one place This is best for about 5-8 couples. Dudley Laufman also calls this the Mousetrap. If lines are longer than about 8 couples or the top couple is slow to get to the bottom they might get caught in the middle of the forward and back.

On a dance like this, a 4-yr. old can dance next to a parent or older child as one person with a partner in the other line. Don't need to be hung up about only two people dancing as a couple.

Scottish Reel (for about 4-6 couples in longways set) First person in the right line leads the line weaving through the dancers in the opposite line; Opposite line does the same; Top couple sashay (dance) down the middle and back, cast out by themselves to the bottom of the set; Lines join hands and sashay down and back as a group (or two hand turn partner and do si do) Alabama Gal (longways set for 6-8 couples) Top couple sashay down and back Right hand turn partner, left hand turn partner Top couple cast out and lead lines to the bottom Top couple make an arch and all others come up through the arch, top couple stays at the bottom Big Circle (with partner) Circle left and right Into the middle and back twice Do si do partner Do si do neighbor Promenade partner

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Wind Up the Ball of Yarn If you have enough people for a good sized circle (about 20 or more) Everyone keeps holding hands in a circle left; you drop your hand with the person on your left and you lead the circle into a spiral into the middle, then reverse the spiral to come back out. You can turn it into a circle facing out and then do a backwards spiral into the middle again or as you come out of the spiral turn to face the circle in again.

Rural Felicity (longways set for 5-8 couples, top couple active) Long lines go forward and back Top couple sashay down to the bottom of the set Long lines go forward and back Couple who sashayed down sashay back to the top All do si do partner All two hand turn partner All except active couple make two hand arches with partners forming a long tunnel. Active couple dance down under the tunnel to the bottom of the set.

Simple Figures Totally simple: circle left, circle right, go in (2, 3, 4) and out (2, 3, 4).

Another simple figure: Right hands across and how are you, Left hands back fine thank you.

Birdie in the Cage (4 person set) Birdie in the cage (one lady in the middle other 3 circle around her), Bird hops out and the crow hops in (that's her partner), He flaps his wings he's gone again (crow rejoins circle).

You either have couples move to a new set or you do a cumulative thing where couple one gathers in 2 to circle up6, etc. If you do the cumulative thing, then you can get two birds in the cage, etc.

Simple Reel Set: Get everyone in two lines.

Long lines go forward and back.

Use farm animals or cat and dog to distinguish the lines.

Top cat leads the line around the dogs and back to place.

Top dog leads the dog line around the cats and back to place.

Top couple sashay to the bottom and back and then "peel the banana": each leads the line around and down to the bottom.

Top couple makes an arch at the bottom and everyone else comes through.

Kids really like watching adults try to get under their arch...

Don’t be afraid to make things up. Kids just like playing around, so make up your own group coordinated play session with the kids.

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Introduction Calls All into your places, brighten up your faces Tighten up your laces for a good long haul!

Up the river, down the bend, join your hands, we’re goin’ again!

All join hands and circle to the left, now circle right like a wagon wheel The more you dance the better you feel In to the middle to the sound of the fiddle All join hands and circle south, let a little moonshine in your mouth Tighten your belt, pull down your vest, swing the one that you love best First you whistle and then you sing, all join hands and form a ring Or …Join your hands from a ring, circle left while you shout and sing Honor your partners and corners all, square your sets and listen to the call All eight balance, all eight swing, swing your partner, pretty little thing Now promenade around the ring Honor your partner sides address, join your hands and circle left Reverse back about a mile, lady in the lead and the gent run wild All jump up and never come down, swing your big food round and round And promenade around the town, jaybird sittin’ on frozen ground Face the front face the back, circle to the sizzle of the Tennessee tats Reverse back on the same ol’ track, make your feet go whickety whack 2, 4, 6, 8, circle left and don’t be late, back you go with heel and toe 103

Circle high and circle low 1,3,5,9, circle left your doin just fine Swing your partner high and low, swing ‘em till they holler woah Scratch your heel and save your toe, then promenade around the row Pop your whip and jerk that line lets all start dancin’ , have a good time On your heel and on your toe, stomp your feet and here we go Look at your honey, bow and smile, join you hands and circle a mile Back to the right you’re goin’ wrong ladies in the lead, gents come along Honor your partners bow and smile, step right up and swing awhile All jump up and when you come down, swing your honey round n’ round Hold your breath, and from a circle, circle fast until your face turns purple Breathe it in, shout and grin, circle up fast and we’ll go again Swing ‘em boys, and do it right, swing your partners all through the night Swing your partners, don’t be late, Swing your corner like swingin’ on a gate Now your own and promenade eight Swing your partner a swing and a whirl, do-sa-do the corner girl Swing your darling, swing your maid Keep on swingin’ till you promenade And bring the caller some lemonade

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Square Dances (4 couple square unless otherwise noted) “Star Swap” From: Bill Martin (scattered circles, two couples) Join hands and circle left, reverse, now circle right Shake right hands, right hand star, the other way back, left hand star Gents drop out and ladies go, swing a little bit on the heel and toe Now swing your opposite don’t be slow [Repeat all above but swing partner instead of opposite] *Promenade on to a new circle after you are back with your partner [When the gents drop out, they just release hands and the ladies keep turning until the swing partner or corner. After that first swing with the corner, that corner becomes their partner temporarily. So, Gents finish the swing with the lady on the right, gent on the left and facing your original partner.]

“Two Little Sisters” From: Bill Martin Lady number one out to the right Two little sisters circle around Home you go swing your own Three little sisters form a ring Break that ring with a partner swing Four little sisters circle around Everybody swing when they come down Now promenade around the town (Repeat with ladies 2,3,4 and then the gents too if ya want) 105

“Virginia Reel” anti-war variation From: Bill Martin and T-Claw (longways set gender is negligible) All join hands, up and back Lets get our troops out of Iraq Back again Alemande right, if it takes all night Alemande left, this war is theft Do si do, the one you know Do si do, the bombs won't blow Now swing your own, as you’ve been shown Top couple Sache down Clap your hands stomp your feet, against police brutality Sache down, Sache back, people’s revolution across Iraq Now frace the front and peel off When you get to the bottom Make an arch, go on through, give the state a big pee yew Stop this war, thats what we’ll do “Grapevine Twist” First gent take your lady by the wrist Round that lady with a grapevine twist Back to the center with a whoah haw gee And around that gent from Tennessee Circle up four in the middle of the floor On to the next and dance some more 106

“Swing Like Thunder” (good mixer or running set figure too) First couple out to the couple on the right Circle four for half the night Gents arms across, ladies bow, gents bow under Hold your holts and swing like thunder Break that basket form a ring Circle left around that thing (or break that ring with a partner swing) On to the next to pick up six… don’t be late to pick up eight Face better grin when you pick up ten “Birdie in a Cage” (good mixer or running set figure too) First couple out to the couple on the right Circle four for half the night Birdie in the cage, three hands round, make that big foot jar the ground Birdie fly out, the crow hop in, I’ll take my tonic with a bottle o’ gin Crow go home to swing his own, and on to the next “Texas Star” (works well with 3 or 5 couples too) Ladies to the center and back to the bar Gents to the center with a right hand star Right hand out, left hand back, make your feet go whickety wack Meet your partner pass them by Take the next one on the fly(gents pick the next lady up around the waste) Gents swing out, ladies swing in, form that Texas star again Break and swing that new girl round, -romenade around the town “Duck for the Oyster” (good mixer or running set figure too) First couple out to the couple on the right Circle to the left, and to the right Duck for the oyster Dive for the clam Shoot for the hole in the ol’ tin can (shoot them off to a distant land) 107

“Push Ma, Shove Pa” From: Steph Noll, Charmaine Slaven, Paul Silveria, and T-Claw Couple number one, Down the center and divide the ring Around one (stand) behind the next And you push ma, shove pa, swing that gal from Arkansas (or swing that gal to the open spot) Same ol’ gent with a brand new girl, down the center and divide the world (repeat until everyone is home and swing) other patter: -Same old rooster with a brand new hen Down the middle and do it again -Same old buck with a brand new doe Down the middle and don’t be slow -Same old bee with a brand new queen Give the floor that waxy sheen -Same old grizz’ with a brand new fish Keep on dancin’, cuz’ you ain’t finished -Same old tree with a brand new fruit Dance so hard, your partner hoots -Same old possum with a brand new coon Down the center and divide the room -Same old doe with a brand new doe You can swing both ways, don’t you know -Same old buck with a brand new buck Down the middle, and try your luck

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“6 Go Forward, 8 Fall Back” From: Lucas Hicks (Good for ruckus parties) Couple number one, Down the center and divide the ring Gent to the left, lady to the right Line of 4 hold on tight 4 steps forward, 4 steps back 4 slide to the right on the outside track Join hands (attack formation) 6 Go Forward, 8 Fall Back 8 go forward, 6 fall back, 4 slide right on the outside track 4 steps forward 4 steps back 4 slide right on the outside track Join hands and 6 go forward, 8 fall back 8 go forward, 6 fall back 4 slide right on the outside track Circle 4 to the right, half way Duck for the oyster, dive for the clam, Shoot them off to a distant land And everybody swing, promenade around the ring (Then every couple gets a chance to lead) “Plow the Row” From: Paul Silveria Couple 1, back to back Head around that outside track Corner couples circle 3 Open up into a line of 3 Up and back Up again and make an arch Lone couple, plow the row Everybody home and swing your own 109

“3 Couple Dance” From: Paul Silveria Circle right, circle left, right hand star, left hand star Bottom gent pull her under, middle couple pull her under Top (last couple) everybody swing, form a brand new ring “Uptown Downtown” From: Amy Hofer Couple one, head up town Bring that other couple down Pick them up and put them down Separate go round the town Right elbow when you get down Strip the willow “Lady Round the Lady and the Gent Also” From: Caroline Oakley Lady round the lady and the gent also Lady round the gent but the gent don’t go Little circle left Little circle right Left to your opposite Right to your own And promenade in a little ring and on to the next “Nervous Breakdown” From: Sandy Bradley (large circle mixer) Right hand turn On to the next with a left hand turn, on to the next for a two hand swing Do si do that pretty little thing, and on to the next for a balance and swing 110

“Chase the Rabbit, Chase the Squirrel” From: Caroline Oakley Couple one out to the right and circle left for half the night Chase the rabbit, chase the squirrel Chase that pretty girl around the world Swing your partner Chase the possum, chase the coon Chase that bad boy around the room Everybody swing On to the next “Take a Little Peek” From: Maggie Lind Couple one out to the right and circle left Couple one take a little peek Head back home and swing your sweet Couple one peek once more Swing your partner off the floor On to the next (or put in a Georgia Rang Tang Do Si Do) “Right Hand High, and a Left Hand Low” From: Beth Molaro Head couples balance and swing Ladies out to the right of the ring Circle left on the side Open up into lines of three [Long lines go to and fro, two lone gents do si do With a right hand high, and a left hand low](x3) Everybody swing your own 111

“Butterfly Whirl” From: Bob Dalsemer Couple one into the middle for a butterfly whirl Down the set and divide the world Everybody do si do Allemande left your corner Box the gnat Pull by Swing your corner on the fly Head on home for a promenade pie Gent one with a brand new girl into the middle with a butterfly whirl “Low Gent Pull Through” From: Gabe Strand 3 couple mixer Circle left, circle right Allemande left your corner Allemande right your partner Right hands across with a right hand shake star Left hands back Low gent pull through You swing here and she’ll swing you Promenade off to a couple of new couples “Ladies Chain” From: Gabe Strand Head couples up and back, up again and make an arch Side ladies chain through, side ladies chain back Allemande left with your left hand, walk right into a right left grand 112

“Easy Square” From: Bob Dalsemer First couple stand back to back Walk once around the outside track Walk all the way around the outside ring While the rooster’s crow and the birdie’s sing Meet your partner right elbow swing Once and a half Allemande left corners all Promenade your partners all Repeat couples 2,3,4, Couples 1 and 3, couples 2 and 4, all couples “Two Lone Gents” From: Michael Ismerio Gent one out to the right circle up three hands round Steal that lady, on to the next Leave her behind, they form a line, onto the next your doing fine Take her home and circle three, then form a line two ladies and me Lines of three forward and back Two lone gents go back to back With a right hand high and left hand low Send the ladies to the (sides) and here we go Lines of three forward and back Two lone gents go back to back With a right hand high and a left hand low Send the ladies to the (heads) and here we go Repeat with sides, Repeat with heads tip: Let the gents finish their do si do before calling the right hand high. That way the other dancers are watching the two lone gents do their thing 113

“Duck and Dive” From: Bob Dalsemer and Paul Silveria Couple one out to the right, circle left half way around Inside arch, outside under, dip and dive, pillage and plunder On to the next join hands and circle left Turn the opposite lady with the right hand round Now your partner with the left hand round I’ll swing yours you swing mine, I’ll swing mine any old time (your own) Onto the next circle four halfway round, couple one out to the right Circle left half way around, inside arch, outside under Dip and dive, pillage and plunder, everybody home, swing your own “Cheat or Swing” From: Caroline Oakley Couple one balance and swing, gent you stay there Lady lead out to the right of the square, with a right elbow Back home with a left elbow, down the set for a right elbow Back home with a left elbow, to the side with a right elbow Back home do si do, and cheat or swing Everybody home, everybody swing (Ladies 1+2, 3+4, Gents 1 +2, 3+4) “Elbow Swing” From: Gabe Strand Couple one out to the right Two gents swing with a left elbow Opposites swing with a right elbow Two gents swing with a left elbow Now your partner with a right elbow Opposites swing, partner swing, and on to the next 114

“Honest Square” (divide the ring) By: Agnes Cunningham OK First couple, balance and swing, down the center and divide the ring Down the center and cast off six, the tenant farmer’s in an awful fix Swing at the head and the foot couples too, sides go right and left through Beans all gone, there ain’t no more, down the center and cast off four Swing at the head and the foot couples too, sides go right and left through Down the center and cut off two, what the heck can a poor man do?

Home you are and everybody swing, allemande left go around the ring Eight million acres of company land, partner by the right, Shake for a right left grand, meet your partner promenade, Join the union don’t be afraid Second couple balance and swing. down the center and divide the ring Gent to the left and lady to the right, the tenant’s union will put up a fight Swing at the head and the foot couples too, sides go right and left through Down the center as you down before, down the center and cast off four Swing at the head and the foot couples too, sides go right and left through Better join the union too, down the center and cast off two Home you are and everybody swing, allamande left go around the ring Half the land is all dried out, and the rest is up the landhog’s snout Meet your partner, promenade, join the union don’t be afraid 3rd. couple balance do the same, we ain’t playin’ till they change the game Down the center, cast off six union’s gonna see that they change it quick

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Swing your honey off the floor, recruiting officer get away from my door You don’t catch me in a rich man’s war, down the center and cast off four Swing at the head and the foot couples too, sides go right and left through Cast off two an’ ‘fore we’re through, we’re gonna cast off the landhog too Home you are and everybody swing allemande left go around the ring All bucks, the oil man’s makin’, while tax is added to the price of bacon Fourth couple, balance and swing, down the center and divide the ring Down the center and cast off six, the ruling class just can’t be fixed Swing at the head and the foot couples too, side go right and left through Money all gone, it’s out the door, down the center and cast off four Swing at the head and the foot couples too, sides go right and left through Down the center and cut off two, you know what we gotta do?

Home you are and everybody swing, allemande left go around the ring Apple pie, we are all fans, partner by the right, for a right left grand Meet your partner promenade, all of us must not behave This sorta thing has got to stop, grab your partner and hippity hop Grab your partner and promenade, everybody here is union made

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Break Figures “Lady Get Around” Lady 1 to C2, swing someone that’s what you do. Lady one to C3 “Pass One Man” Join hands and circle left Other way back, go single file Ladies turn back gents follow Ladies turn out, pass one man Give the next one your left hand Back to your partner right left grand “Gent’s Don’t Go” Join hands and circle left Other way back, go single file Ladies turn back gents follow Ladies turn out, gents don’t go (you can to a corner allemande to a RLG if you want) Find your partner and promeno “Sausage Grinder” Allemande left your corner Allemande right your partner Swing your corner with all your might Put that lady on your right “Do Saw Do” Face your partner, do si do Chicken in the bread pan scratchin’ out dough On the corner, see saw Go back home and swing your taw 117

“Big Grand” All eight balance, all eight swing Swing your partner pretty little thing Allemande left to the corner you go Grand chain eight around the row Wave the ocean wave the sea (pass their partners once) Wave that pretty one back to me and promenade “Rip and Snort” Couple one you rip and snort Down the middle and cut them off short Split the apple split the pear Everybody get on out of there Make an arch couple 2 Dive on through that’s what you do…

“Couple Switcheroo” Couple one to the right of the square Circle left, don’t be scared Circle right, hold on tight Swing the opposite with all your might Gent bring that gal on to the next, Circle up left, Circle right, Bring that girl on the next and Circle left, Circle right, swing your opposite everybody swing “Box the Nat” Face your partner shake right hands Pass on by with a right left grand Meet your partner, box the gnat Head on back (or call RLG) on the reverse track Promenade (or box the gnat again) 118

“Ladies (or gents) to the Middle, Back to Back” Ladies to the middle, back to back, gents go around that outside track Meet your partner, pass them by, take the next one on the fly “Star Hand Grand” Gents to the middle with a right hand star Other way back with a left hand star Right to your partner with a right left grand “In and Out with a Half Sashay” In to the middle and back that way Roll away with a half sashay (all the way around then) In to the middle and back once more Swing yoyur partner right off the floor “Swingin’ on a Gate” Swing on the corner like swingin’ on a gate Now your own if your not too late Allemande left on your left hand (corner), dance on into a right left grand Hand over hand, go around the ring, meet your partner, pretty little thing And promenade “Simple RLG” Face your partner, shake right hands, pass on by with a right left grand Pass them once and around you go, next time you meet you promeno “Little Red Wagon” Allemande left with your left hand Right hand to your partner, right left grand Here we go in a little red wagon The hind wheels off and the axle’s draggin’ Meet your own and promenade Promenade eight till you come straight 119

“Four Ladies Chain” Four ladies chain across the set Chain right back your not through yet Turn around with your left hand And promenade with your ol’ man “Pretty Little Ring” Ring ring, pretty little ring, break that ring with a corner swing Ring ring, pretty little ring, break that ring and swing your own Now promeney and promeneaux head back home that’s what you do Or now promeney and promeknow head back home and knead the dough “Promenade Roll Back” Promenade 8 and don’t slow down Keep on walkin’ your partners ‘round Gals roll back to the next in line Promenade again and keep in time 4 times then swing “Star Promenade” Ladies to the center and back to the bar Gents to the middle with a right hand star A right hand star in the middle of the hall Come back by the left to your partners all And promenade around the hall “Star RLG” Ladies to the center and back to the bar Gents to the middle with a right hand star Back by the left in the middle of the land Meet your own go right and left grand Hand over hand around the hall Meet your partners and promenade all 120

Closing Calls The jug is empty, the keg is dry, so leave your partner and say goodbye That’s the end I do believe, kiss the caller before you leave That’s all there is, there is no more, take your partners off the floor Wave to the caller at the door That’s the end of this old square, so promenade to a big soft chair You know where and I don’t care Form a ring, a pretty little ring Break that ring with a corner swing Promenade your partners all Take trip around the hall, with your Big foot up and your little foot down When you get home settle on down First old couple you rip and snort Go down the middle and cut ‘em off short Gent go left and the gal go right Everybody else just hang on tight Then down the center you go once more And promenade right off the floor

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Promenade Patter Horses in the corral, cows in the stall, promenade now, one and all Little bit o’ heel, little bit o’ toe, promenade as you always do Promenade up, and promenade down, strut your stuff round the town Promenade eight till you come strait, chow’s on the table so don’t be late Promenade eight, promenade all, promenade around the hall Tap your heel and save your toe Chicken in the bread pan scratchin’ at the dough Meet your partner in calico, and promenade around the row Meet your partner, pat ‘em on the head If they don’t like biscuits, feed ‘em cornbread, and promenehd Barbed wire fence broken down gate, meet your partner and promenade Pronamanah, pronamanah Promeno, promenade, your partners hair could use a little pomade Promeney, promenai, if you’d just ask me, I’d share my pie Right left grand round the ring, when you see your partner you promeney RLG around you go, when you see your partner you promeno RLG a little farther, when you see your partner, you promenartner 122

There once lived a curly headed gal with a warm smile and an empty belly. Now this gal was from California, but we’ll call her Carolina. It was during a particularly frosty winter that Carolina had no food and no money. She rambled around town singing her favorite songs hoping the generosity of strangers would relieve her hunger One day as Carolina was wandering down a road she came upon a tabby cat playing a fiddle. As she came near Carolina began to cry, for the cat played a song so slow and mournful that Carolina could not stop herself.

“What is wrong?” she asked the cat. “Why do you play such a sad song?”

“My fiddle is weeping,” replied the tabby, “Because my paws are quite cold and my belly is so empty.”

“I am shivering as well. And I have not eaten in weeks. May I play with you?” Asked the girl.

“Certainly” replied Carolina. And so Carolina took her guitar off her back and began to plunk along as the two rambled down the road further.

Eventually they came upon a heron perched on the edge of a trashcan. “What are you doing up there?” shouted the tabby cat. This was a peculiar sight, for the tabby knew this bird was not one to idle on such a perch.

“I was looking for food. But all I can find are these tin cans.” Said the heron.

Carolina and the tabby began to look through the trashcan. Not surprising they found nothing to eat. But Carolina had another idea.

“Why don’t you peck at those cans while the tabby and I play a song?” So the tabby struck up a tune while the three played and played until their limbs grew week and stiff. They were so deeply satisfied by their music that for a moment all had forgotten the ever-present hunger pains. They also had neglected to notice a deer with a banjo strapped to her back that was now standing right beside them.

“Hello” The deer said. “My name is Juniper, and like you I am cold and hungry. But I know of a certain grizzly bear who has more chestnuts and corn than he could ever eat alone.

“Who is he?” Asked the heron.

“Where is he?” Asked the tabby cat.

“Is he kind to strangers?” Asked Carolina.

“He has the loudest roar and the sharpest claws but the warmest heart. However he has been asleep since the first snow fall, and I have tried my hardest to wake him with no success. I have been plucking my banjo and singing with all my strength, but neither are loud enough to cause a stir.”

“If we play our instruments together.” The heron said, “I know we’d be loud enough to wake him.”

So the vagrant bunch followed Juniper to the grizzly’s home, playing as they walked. News had spread quickly and along the way two frogs equipped with mandolins had joined the march. As they rambled further they past two huntsmen washing hides.

“Come join in!” cried the tabby.

One grabbed the washtub, and the other the washboard, and the two followed suit. Now their music resonated throughout the woods, attracting the attention of cellist who willingly joined the procession. Soon they reached the grizzly’s home. He lay fast asleep while the musical bunch surrounded him. They played so loud that not even the bear’s snoring could be heard. But he still did not wake.

“Something’s missing!” croaked to frog.

Unknowest to all, an owl entered carrying two spoons. “Mind if I join?” She shouted. But the music was so loud that no one could hear her. So the owl joined in anyway.

Finally the grizzly awoke from his slumber. He was so thrilled to hear their song that he began to dance, stomping his feet and clapping his claws. And before anyone asked, the grizzly cooked up a feast of which everyone partook.

And from that night on the group called themselves the Grizzle Grazzle Trash Can Band, playing music for all who will listen and filling the bellies of all who are hungry.

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