Lyr Req: Henhouse Blues

Subject: Lyr Req: Henhouse Blues lyrics
From: LeTenebreux
Date: 13 Oct 07 - 05:59 PM

I need (well, want...) the lyrics to "Henhouse Blues" by the Red Clay Ramblers. I've got the song, but it's one of those fast songs and the words are hard to make out at times. If I post here it will save me hours of googling and I might just be able to finish my PhD thesis. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Henhouse Blues lyrics
From: 12-stringer
Date: 13 Oct 07 - 07:31 PM

That should be in the Forum somewhere; I have what is for me a fairly sharp recollection of having typed out the lyrics from the Bentley Boys' 78 RPM (of which the RCR is a cover). What it is, is "I Don't Care If I Never Wake Up."

But I can't find it, so here it is off the top of my head, and with the nasty racisms intact, as in the version I first learned several decades ago. I think the RCR substitute "preacher," as is normal with all godless hippie revivalists who perpetuate oldtime "coon" songs, and that's how I used to do it as well. But I'm averse to rewriting the record for the sake of PC.

Henhouse Blues
more or less as recorded by the Bentley Boys for Columbia, 1929

Cooney wanted some chicken, to the henhouse he did go.
If there's any fat pullets that are layin' around, they'll soon be mine, you know.
Just by the fence lay the big bulldog, with the henhouse side by side.
He grabbed that pullet, climbed over the fence, and to that dog he cried.

I don't care if you never wake up, this pullet am in my hands
You don't stand no show to catch no respectable colored man.
What do I care for your guns or knives, the bulldog or the pup?
Just keep on a sleepin' while the nigger am a-creepin'
I don't care if you never wake up.

Cooney went to sleep on election day and dreamed he was a candidate.
Told the people voting for him, I guess you'll have to wait.
Early next morning while still in the bed, the word to him was sent,
Just wake up, nigger, for you are beat and a woman is president.

I don't care if I never wake up, just so I get out of this trance
Won't them girls make it hot for us when they put on the pants.
Set us to milking and minding the kids, the beds we'll have to make up.
Just go back to bed was the words he said, I don't care if I never wake up.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Henhouse Blues lyrics
From: Bob the Postman
Date: 13 Oct 07 - 07:34 PM

Hear the Bentley
Boys version of Henhouse Blues at this page (scroll down).

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Henhouse Blues lyrics
From: LeTenebreux
Date: 14 Oct 07 - 01:34 PM

Thanks everyone!
Okay, back to the grindstone....

Subject: Lyr Add: HENHOUSE BLUES
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 16 Oct 07 - 12:43 AM

Here is a corrected copy, based on the recording that Bob the Postman posted a link to:

HENHOUSE BLUES

Cooney wanted chicken. To himself he said, "To the henhouse I will go.
If any fat pullets are hangin' around, they'll soon be mine, you know."
Out very late lay the big bulldog, with the henhouse side by side.
Got him a pullet, climbed over the fence, and then to the dog he cried:

"I don't care if you never wake up. This pullet am in my hand.
You don't stand no show to catch no 'spectable colored man.
What d'I care for your knives and guns," said, "your bulldogs nor your pups?
Just keep on a-sleepin' while the nigger am a-creepin'. I don't care if you never wake up."

Cooney went to sleep on election day. He dreamed he was a candidate.
Told them coons that was votin' for him, he told 'em just to wait.
Early next morning while still in the bed, and the word to him was sent,
"Just wake up, Cooney, for you am beat and a woman am president."

"I don't care if I never wake up, just so I get out o' this trance.
Won't those women make it hot for us when they put on the pants?
Put us to milking and to mind the kids," said, "the bed we'll have to make up.
Just go back to bed," was the words he said. "Don't care if I never wake up."