I just learned this uptempo chant from an African American woman who said she learned it from her aunt. The aunt was born in 1890 in Mississippi [and lived in Mississippi & Arkansas]. She would have been in her 40s during the depression {1930-1941}.

Had a little wife bout big as a thumb.
Put her in the coffepot. Beat her like a drum.
Goodbye wife. Goodbye honey.
If it hadn't been for you, I'd had a little money.

I was told that this chant was used as a "knee rocker". When I asked what a knee rocker was I was told that it was what you sang holding the baby on your knee. You bounce the baby up and down to the beat of the song.

Yes, I know. It's not a good reflection on love & marriage.





YTgfr heard her aunt chant this "knee rockin song" to her great nieces. I was told that a knee rockin song was when you ride the baby on your knee as you chant. The aunt was born