The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #44830   Message #660593
Posted By: SharonA
01-Mar-02 - 09:41 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Hi, my name is Joe, & I work in a button
Subject: Hello, my name is Joe, I work in a button factory
Here's how I've heard it on a kids' folk-music program on local radio (lyrics in parentheses are for audience to repeat back to the leader):

Hello! (Hello!)
My name is Joe! (My name is Joe!)
I've got a wife, (I've got a wife,)
I've got five kids. (I've got five kids.)
I work (I work)
In a button factory. (In a button factory.)
One day, (One day,)
My boss said to me: (My boss said to me:)
"Hey, Joe! ("Hey, Joe! )
"Are you busy?" ("Are you busy?")
I said, "No." (I said, "No.")
He said, (He said,)
"DO THIS!!"

...at which point the leader performs some body motion that the audience emulates. Chant repeats while more motions are added at the end of each verse. At the end of the series of chants, when everyone is gesticulating wildly, the speaker starts the chant as usual but ends with:

"Hey, Joe! ("Hey, Joe! )
"Are you busy?" ("Are you busy?")
I said, "YESSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!"

Now, my question to you is: what are the body motions? I've only heard the chant; I've never seen it performed.