It looks like we have never collected Jimmie Rodgers' version, which should be definitive:


BLUE YODEL No. 8 (MULE SKINNER BLUES)
Words and music by Jimmie Rodgers and George Vaughan
As recorded by Jimmie Rodgers, 1930.

1. Good mornin', captain. Good mornin', shine.
Do you need another mule skinner out on your new mud line?
YODEL

2. I like to work; I'm rollin' all the time.
I can pop my 'nitials on a mule's behin'.
YODEL

3. Hey, little water boy, bring that water roun'.
If you don't like your job, set that water bucket down.
YODEL

4. Workin' on the good roads, dollar an' a half a day,
My good gal's waitin' on Sat'day night, just to draw my pay.
GUITAR SOLO

5. I'm goin' to town, honey; what you want me to bring you back?
Bring a pint o' booze an' a John B. Stetson hat. (Bring it to me, honey.)
YODEL

6. I smell your bread a-burnin; turn your damper down.
If you ain't got a damper, good gal, turn your bread aroun'.
YODEL