Hi Joe,

OK, with that purpose stated I can see why you would want a set of somewhat standard verses.

At that link Ken Schatz has the Arkansas farmer:

I've never seen the like since I been born
Of an Arkansas farmer with sea boots on

Who's been here since I've been gone
That pretty little gal with the blue dress on

She's a down-east gal with a down-east style
For a dollar a time and it's all worthwhile

Them down-east gals they dress so fine
They ain't got Jesus on their mind.

I don't care where in the world I go
I can't get away from the calico

My wife died in Tennessee
They sent her jawbone back to me…

Slung that jawbone on the fence
And I ain't heard nothing but the jawbone since…

Hand me down my riding cane
I'm going to see my Sarah Jane…


No unknown verses in it. He does string three verses together by using wording that makes the latter two each refer back to the previous one.

Other than that, I get the impression that the Richmond Tavernacle singer next to him is a bit uneasy about the verse with "Jesus" in it.

But which verses work in general? I guess: Collect the verses from the various strains and pick some moderate ones. Somebody is going to come along and be insulted, no matter which you pick, but you could probably avoid some of the troubles by prudent selection, should you want to.

Bye
                                                                Mysha