The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #28291   Message #350986
Posted By: durham
04-Dec-00 - 06:08 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Slumber Boat (Riley, Gaynor, 1898.)
Subject: RE: Lullaby Lyrics
Hello, yes I can give the lyrics. I wish I could sing it for you

When I was just a little bitty fella just about so high,
My momma use to tell me story 'bout a big bold bad man in the sky.
She said at night when all the shadows were a-creeping and the howling wind around so loudly blew,
I'd sit down by her knee and then she said to me: "Here's the story 'bout the Chink-a-boo."

Chorus:
He's got great big shiny eyes.
He's got a great big mouth this size.
He walks like this and like that.
He eats up little children both lean and fat.
So run, run, run just as fast as you can
and hide yourself away from the Chink-a-boo man.

One night when I was walkin' 'cross the meadow just about a mile from home,
it was then I heard a rustling in the bushes, then I heard a low, low moan.
I ran into my mammy's house a-flyin'. I ran that mile in nothing, honest true!
and when I reached the door, to mammy I did roar: "MAW! I saw the Chink-a-boo!"

Repeat Chorus

Gosh I can hear my mom singing this. She said it was sung to her by her mother who was born in 1895. I have always wondered where it came from and what year. Any help appreciated.
Cindy