There are so many sets of lyrics to this song, which has been recorded in folk, jazz, jug band, rock, and who knows how many other versions.

Taj's version seems to be especially interesting since he includes a lengthy spoken interlude that some folks have chosen to transcribe. But are these words truly "song lyrics"? The actual lyrics sung to the tune in question are rhymed couplets, followed by a third line that is normally some variation of the title phrase.

My post from 2004 (just above) included a link to the late lamented "Uncle Tink's Lyrics" website. I've asked elsewhere, and I'll ask again in this thread: Anyone know what happened? Anyone know Uncle Tink? Can his treasure-trove of Mississippi John Hurt lyrics be salvaged?