Break for a story: When Uncle Shade was ready to plow the charlie field with the family mule, known as Fartin' Betsy, a warning would go 'round that the women and children should find better places to be that day. It seems that Shade drove that mule with curses (that's right, children, in the days before phone sex men would go out and talk dirty to the mules). On this particular day, the mule was unusually cooperative and Shade was making good time. Suddenly, the plow blade snagged a rock and Shade pitched forward...at the precise instant that the mule lived up to its nickname.
I wasn't there, but I believe the story to be true. Maybe Cletus can vouch for it.
As for Flop-Eared Mule, a happy tune with or without words.