[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
(or De Broken Yoke in de Coaling Ground)
A 1840 popular song
Words and music by J. W. Sweeny
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by Benjamin R. Tubb:
Lyrics
1. As I went up to Lynchburg town,
I broke my yoke on de coaling ground;
I drove from dare to bowling spring,
And I tried for to mend my yoke and ring.
Chorus
O Jonny Boker, help dat nigger do, Jonny Boker, do.
2. I drove from dare to Wright’s ole shop
Hollered to my driver and told him to stop;
Says I, Mr Wright, have you got a yoke?
He seized his bellows and blew up a smoke
3. Says I, Mr Wright, habn’t long to stay
He cotched up his hammer, knocked right away;
Soon as he mended my staple and ring
Says I, Mr Wright, do you charge any thing?
4. Says he to me I neber charge
Unless de job is werry large;
For little jobs dat is so small
I neber charge any ting at all
(Save three cents dat time)
5. I drove from dar to Anthony’s mill
And tried to pull up dat are hill
I whipped my steers and pushed my cart
But all I could do, I couldn’t make a start
(Dat ole nigger was fast stalled dat time)
6. I put my shoulder to the wheel
Upon de ground I placed my heel;
Den we make a mighty strain
But all our efforts prove in vain
7. Dare come a waggoner driving by
I sat on de ground and ‘gan to cry;
Says me to him some pity take
And help me up for conscience sake
8. Says he to me, I will help thee
He tak out his horses No. 3;
I wiped from my eyes the falling tears
He hitched his horses before my steers
9. Den to me he did much please
He pulled me up with so much ease
His horses were so big and strong
De way dey pulled dis nigger along
Sung here by Fred Feild: