ADD: OLD MAN KNOW-ALL

Thomas W. Talley: "Negro Folk Rhymes", {Kennikat Edition, p. 211-212}

[For a change of pace, here's an example that demonstrates how way back when in slavery times rhymes were used as a form of
re-direction and social control. If someone didn't want to be told off, with his [or her] name spread in the street {or on the farm or on the plantation] he'd have to change up his contrary ways. Otherwise, in accordance with the ancient African tradition that was brought to these shores by way of folk memories, he'd likely be the subject of what we'd call now a 'rip' or a 'dis' or a 'cap' or any number of other regional American terms that mean that he would be royally and creatively publicly insulted].


OLD MAN KNOW-ALL

Ole man Know-All, he come 'round
Wid his nose in de air, turned 'way frum de ground.
His ole wooly head hain't been combed fer a week:
It says: "Keep still, while Know-All speak".

Ole am Know-All's tongue, it run;
He jes know'd ev'rything under the sun.
When you knowed one thing, he knowed mo'.
He 'us sharp 'nough to stick an' green
'nough to grow.

Ole man Know-All died las' week.
He got drowned in de middle o' de creek.
De bridge wus dar, an' dar to stay.
But he knowed too much to go dat way.