The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #40673   Message #627457
Posted By: Stewie
14-Jan-02 - 01:46 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Add: New Buryin' Ground
Subject: Add: 'LAZARUS'
Here is the Virginian work song version of 'Lazarus'. I am not certain of 'head' in stanza 3. 'Oh lordy' is sung by single voice.

LAZARUS
(Traditional)

Old man Lazarus, (oh lordy) sittin' on that commissary counter (x2)
He walked away, (oh lordy), lord, lord, he walked away

The judge told the high sheriff, (oh lordy) 'Go and bring me Lazarus' (x2)
'Dead or alive', (oh lordy), 'lord, lord, dead or alive'

Spoken (single voice): Let's get him, man, let's get him

They found old Lazarus, (oh lordy), way down 'tween 2 mountains (x2)
His head ? hangin' down, (oh lordy), lord, lord, his head hangin' down

They shot old Lazarus, (oh lordy) shot him with a great big number (x2)
A forty-four, (oh lordy), lord, lord a forty-four

Well Lazarus' mother, (oh lordy), she come screamin' and a-hollerin' (x2)
'You shot my son', (oh lordy), 'lord, lord, shot my son'

They buried old Lazarus, (oh lordy), buried him in a brand new casket (x2)
Down in his grave, (oh lordy), lord, lord down in his grave

Source: transcription of William Thompson (lead) with John Ball, William Carter, E.B. Chewning, Capt Matthew Gaskins, Aurelius Henderson, William Johnson, Eddie Laws, Benjamin Smith and William Smith 'Lazarus' on 'Virginia Traditions: Virginia Work Songs' Global Village CD-1007.

--Stewie.