[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
An admired southern refrain, 1844
Words and music by J. P. Carter
Arranged by J. W. Turner
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by Benjamin R. Tubb:
Lyrics
- All de way from ole Carlina
For to see my old Aunt Dinah,
Says I ole lady how’s de goose,
De Jay bird jump on de Martin’s roost.
CHORUS
Walk along John, de fifer’s son,
Aint you glad your day’s work’s done.
- Went behind her house on my knees,
I tink I hear de gobler sneeze
De gobler jump on de pumkin vine,
De goose char backer, de duck drink wine.
CHORUS
Walk along John, de fifer’s son,
Aint you glad your day’s work’s done.
- Milk in de dairy nine days old,
De rats an skippers gettin mitey bold,
Long tail rat in a pail of souse,
Just come down from white man’s house.
CHORUS
Get along John, de fifer’s son,
Aint you glad your day’s work’s done.
- Ginny nigger raised a hog,
He make his canoe of de log,
He put his canoe in de water,
Go your death I see your dauter.
CHORUS
Go along John, de fifer’s son,
Aint you glad your day’s work’s done.
- I hadn’t seen her haf a day
Till my distresses I did pay,
Shy at fust but soon got larkin,
De Ginny gals am deth on sparkin.
CHORUS
Get along John, de fifer’s son,
Aint you glad your day’s work’s done.
- Massa sent me out a singin,
Dat was de fust ob my beginin;
I shake de dubble simonquivers
And bust de banjo all to shivers.
CHORUS
Walk along John, de fifer’s son,
Aint you glad your day’s work’s done