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12-stringer Lyr Req: Henhouse Blues (5) RE: Lyr Req: Henhouse Blues lyrics 13 Oct 07


That should be in the Forum somewhere; I have what is for me a fairly sharp recollection of having typed out the lyrics from the Bentley Boys' 78 RPM (of which the RCR is a cover). What it is, is "I Don't Care If I Never Wake Up."

But I can't find it, so here it is off the top of my head, and with the nasty racisms intact, as in the version I first learned several decades ago. I think the RCR substitute "preacher," as is normal with all godless hippie revivalists who perpetuate oldtime "coon" songs, and that's how I used to do it as well. But I'm averse to rewriting the record for the sake of PC.

Henhouse Blues
more or less as recorded by the Bentley Boys for Columbia, 1929

Cooney wanted some chicken, to the henhouse he did go.
If there's any fat pullets that are layin' around, they'll soon be mine, you know.
Just by the fence lay the big bulldog, with the henhouse side by side.
He grabbed that pullet, climbed over the fence, and to that dog he cried.

I don't care if you never wake up, this pullet am in my hands
You don't stand no show to catch no respectable colored man.
What do I care for your guns or knives, the bulldog or the pup?
Just keep on a sleepin' while the nigger am a-creepin'
I don't care if you never wake up.

Cooney went to sleep on election day and dreamed he was a candidate.
Told the people voting for him, I guess you'll have to wait.
Early next morning while still in the bed, the word to him was sent,
Just wake up, nigger, for you are beat and a woman is president.

I don't care if I never wake up, just so I get out of this trance
Won't them girls make it hot for us when they put on the pants.
Set us to milking and minding the kids, the beds we'll have to make up.
Just go back to bed was the words he said, I don't care if I never wake up.


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