From Carmina Yalensia: A Complete and Accurate Collection of Yale College Songs by Ferdinand Van Derveer Garretson (New York: Taintor Brothers, 1867), page 46 – where it appears with musical notation for piano and one voice:


SPRINGFIELD MOUNTAIN

1. On Springfield Mountain there did dwell
A nice young man; I knew him well-I-ell.

CHORUS: Sing turi-luri-turi-lay,
Sing turi-luri-turi-lay-i-a.

2. On Monday morning he did go
Down to the meadow for to mow.

8. He scarce had mowed half round the field,
When a pesky sarpent bit his heel.

4. He raised his scythe and struck a blow,
Which laid the pesky sarpent low.

5. He took the sarpent in his hand,
And posted off to Molly Brand.

6. "Oh, Johnny dear, why did you go
Down to the meadow for to mow?"

7. "Oh, Molly dear, I thought you knowed
'Twas father's field and must be mowed."

8. Now this young man gave up the ghost
And did to Abraham's bosom post.

9. And thus he cried as up he went,
"Oh, pesky, cruel, sar-pi-ent."

10. Now all young men, a warning take,
Beware of the bite of a great big snake.