Good Morning, Ms. Jan--

Joe Offer has written me to way that you're interested in lyrics to a song called "Can't Change It." I learned the song as a boy from an old fellow who lived near our farm in the Tennessee mountains; as I recall, his name was Claudie Stewart. I have since heard a recording of the song, done in the early 'thirties by a string band the name of which I've forgotten. I hope this helps. If you have questions, you can email me [cwfoster@hiwaay.net].

CAN'T CHANGE IT

I never was a proud young man as all you folks can see,
I never cared too much for clothes, and styles don't bother me;
I never was a dandy, but I'm satisfied, you know--
I've got but one shirt to my back, and I can say although
I can't change it; Can't change it
I've got but one shirt to my back; it fits me like an old tow sack
But I can't change it, and there ain't no use to try--
I have to lay in bed while my shirt hangs out to dry!

My relatives came to see me and they thought they'd stay awhile,
Let me tell you, fellers, on their faces was a smile;
My friends they had a baby --it was their pride and joy--
They had a darling little girl and they wanted a boy.
But they can't change, it, Can't change it--
They told the doctor what they wanted and he only smiled and said,
"Friend, I can't change it, and there ain't no use to try--
But I hope you have a dozen boys in the sweet by and by".

I thought that I'd get married like most young foolish men,
I found a girl, I bought a ring, I got married there and then;
But when the job was over I was taken down a peg--
Her eye and her hair and her teeth was false, and she had a wooden leg!
But I can't change it, Can't change it--
It was a great surprise to me; she was half a woman, half a tree--
But I can't change it, and there ain't no use to try--
So I'll hack that leg for kindlin' wood in the sweet by and by.

Give Ms. Grandma my fond regards; If she thinks of additional songs, I'll try to locate them for her.

Bill Foster^^