Lyr Req: Arkansas (not in the trad)

Subject: Lyr Req: Arkansas (not in the trad)
From: Mrrzy
Date: 24 Jul 06 - 03:56 PM

This is kind of to the tune of Cotton Eyed Joe, I had it by Oscar Brand, I think.

There is one verse about

Had a little fight with my mother-in-law
and I pushed her into the Arkansas,
darned old lady knew how to swim,
she jumped right out and she pushed me in.

There is another verse that showed up in a version of Turkey in the Straw, which is what reminded me of this song in the first place, about the horse that wouldn't go ahead and wouldn't stand still.

Help? Thanks!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Arkansas (not in the trad)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 24 Jul 06 - 06:59 PM

Refresh. Somebody has to know this one. I listened to the track titled "Arkansas" on Brand's Pie in the Sky CD - it's "State of Arkansas," not the one you want, Mrr.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Arkansas (not in the trad)
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Jul 06 - 07:17 PM

sounds like a Jimmy Driftwood tune...

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Arkansas (not in the trad)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 24 Jul 06 - 08:16 PM

Don't know who is responsible for the first verse, but the one about the horse was collected by Perrow in 1909 in trad. and also traces bach to the early minstrels.

Old Gray Horse (and other names), "Clare de Kitchen," "Went to the River," etc.

Went to the river and couldn't get across
Paid five dollars for an old gray horse
...

Wouldn't go erlong and en' e' wouldn't stand still
But jumped up and down like an old fluttermill.

Many verses, many floaters to "Old Gray Horse." Earliest one with that verse and rhythm is "Clare de Kitchen" by Rice (minstrels).

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Arkansas (not in the trad)
From: Mrrzy
Date: 24 Jul 06 - 08:29 PM

The Oscar Brand version says mangy hoss, and stood there rocking like an old sawmill.

Other verses? Oscar Brand fans?

Joe - you're right, I did that same research.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Arkansas (not in the trad)
From: GUEST,Gene
Date: 24 Jul 06 - 10:09 PM

The one about Arkansas on the Jimmy Driftwood 3 CD set is
not the one you want either? completely different lyrics