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Tennessee nigger; Was you ever down in Tennessee,; And sing tiddle dee am dee eye dee

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Henry, Rachel

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voice Collected by Irene Carlisle Transcribed by Mary C. Parler Mrs. Rachel Henry Spring Valley, Ark Feb. 15, 1951 Reel 91, Item 2 The Tennessee Nigger Was you ever down in Tennessee, Where the colored folks all dwell? There was one old darky And they all did like him well. Refrain: And sing tiddle dee am dee eye dee And sing tiddle dee am dee aye. He never went to free school, He never went to college, And the white folks all wondered Where this nigger got his knowledge. Refrain: He eat up two small railroads And a spoonful of ice cream, And like a locomotive Kept blowing off steam. Refrain: He chewed up the Bible And he spit out the Scriptures, And the white folks all called him A long-tailed ripper. Refrain: He had an old banjo; So tight he kept it strung; And the good old tune he always played, It's "Go It While You're Young." Refrain: He had so many children, He wrapped 'em in a blanket; And ever' time that one 'ld squall, He'd turn it up and spank it. Refrain: When this old nigger died They helt an inquest; The majority of the people Said he died for the want of breath. Refrain: -more- The Tennessee Nigger Reel 91, Item 2 Continued They strapped him on an old pine plank, As straight as any pole; The wildcats and polecats, They soon give up the ghost, Refrain: They put him in a chest, And so tightly...
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Text
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Contributors:
Carlisle, Irene JonesParler, Mary Celestia
Created Date:
1951 02 15
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From Collection

Ozark Folksong Collection

Record Contributed By

University of Arkansas