There's a different version in the Rise Up Singing Songbook, and I like it better. I think this is the way Pete Seeger sings it - so I guess I learned it from Seeger, not Staines. You'll find this same version in The Fireside Book of Fun & Game Songs.

Sweet Potatoes

1. Soon as we all cook sweet potatoes, sweet potatoes, sweet potatoes
Soon as we all cook sweet potatoes, eat 'em right straight up!

(counter melody)Roo roo roo roo, hoo roo, sing ho de dinkum!
Roo roo roo roo, hoo roo, hoo roo!

2. Soon as supper's et, mammy hollers...get along to bed
3. Soon's we touch our heads to the pillow...go to sleep right smart
4. Soon's the rooster crow in the mornin'...got to wash our face
5. Soon's the school bus stops on the highway...got to go to school
6. Soon’s the school bell rings in the afternoon...then we go right home
7. Soon as we all cook sweet potatoes...eat 'em right straight up!


— English lyrics: H.W.Loomis, additional verse Pete Seeger
— Music: trad (descant Hector Spaulding)
© 1940 Birch Tree Group, Ltd.

Note that it still has the attribution to H.W. Loomis - for "English lyrics." I guess the original is Creole. Can we find it?
-Joe Offer-

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Last two verses (in italics) from the Pete Seeger 1963 Carnegie Hall Concert album, We Shall Overcome