Not sure, Marje: the point is that it is supposed to be a negro singing the words, so that there should be a sort of ironic 'disinfectant' effect. The attribution of the song appears to be disputed; but I remember when I was at school 30s-40s it was always taught as a Foster song. It has never till now occurred to me to query it. I find a children's site online which renders this verse as "I jumped upon a 'gator...". Hmmm!

~M~