I'm repeating on this site my query on the other "Tell Ol' Bill" thread:

Can anyone contribute Sam Hinton's lyrics to "Tell Old Bill," which he says he got from a black farmer in Walker County, Texas during childhood?

Born c. 1917, it's possible Hinton could have an earlier version than Sandburg. Would be nice to know his lyrics, his tune, and what more he says about its origins.

Despite its having become a standard, this is a very rare song. Apart from anything Hinton may have, Sandburg's is the earliest version of Bill's downtown rambles, murder and return home dead, and the only one in print.

Anyone else get the feeling there's a story here? We have early versions in St. Louis and Texas. Could it trace back to an actual murder in the red light district, or was it a made-up song without basis in reality?

Anyone have any insights?

Bob