I can't find anything in the Lomax collections called "Hallelu!" sung by James "Ironhead" Baker. Baker did, however, sing a song called "Jack and Betsy" for John and Alan Lomax in 1934. In May, 1934, they collected the following from Pete Harris at Richmond, Texas, giving it the same title. From Pete Harris, "Is You Mad at Me?" (Suncoast Music, 2015).


Molly's in the bed a-snorin' and a-sleepin', hallelu!
Molly's in the bed a-snorin' and a-sleepin', hallelu!
Jack's on the floor a-crawlin' and a-creepin', hallelu!

Molly, my dear, can I come to bed and see you, hallelu!
Molly, my dear, can I come to bed and see you, hallelu!   
[unintelligible] undo me, hallelu!

I sho'ly tied my britches fast and I can't undo 'em, hallelu!
I sho'ly tied my britches fast and I can't undo 'em,hallelu!
I'm goin' to the bed like lightnin' in the winter, hallelu!

O, nine months ago she wrote me a letter, hallelu!
O, nine months ago she wrote me a letter, hallelu!
She had a mighty fine boy [unintelligible], hallelu!

The baby was born, his name was Wonder, hallelu!
The baby was born, his name was Wonder, hallelu!
Po' thing got killed by lightning and thunder, hallelu!

If you see my lover, please tell her for me, hallelu!
If you see my lover, please tell her for me, hallelu!
I found them horses [?] on Calvary, hallelu!


Since "calvary" is a common mispronunciation of "cavalry," it's tempting to interpret the final line as "I'm ridin' them horses in the cavalry," which makes more sense (particularly by suggesting that Jack has enlisted to get away). (The African-American 9th and 10th regiments of Cavalry were well known in Texas.)

Unfortunately, what I *do* hear sung is closer to the "Calvary" line.

That's folk for ya.