"I don't have the Jesse Fuller version of 'Fables', but a few years ago the song was recorded by the English singer/songwriter/guitarist Ralph McTell on one of two CDs he made as a tribute to his early blues, ragtime and jug-band influences. The lyrics Ralph sings are as follows:
1. Uncle Josh's nephew was a student of letters, come home with a book one night; Said he to his uncle, 'This is Aesop's fables and I don't understand it right; Will you kindly explain what it means by a fable, does it mean what I think it might?' Uncle Josh's eyes looked extremely wise and thoughtfully he replied... Fables are stories often told in ordinary walks of life Fables are stories that a wife tells a husband and a husband tells a wife; Fables are stories we really believe 'til somebody puts us right; In the olden days they called 'em fables but they nothing' but doggone lies.
2. [First part harmonica break] Fables are stories told by candidates just before election day; Fables are stories told to the wife when her husband's far away; Fables are stories we really believe 'til sombody puts us right; In the olden days they called 'em fables but they nothin' but doggone lies.
3. Now they tell us that Adam was the husband of Eve, he was the first with the Lord's consent. Now we can't deny there was no other person to give him an argument; He was made outta mud by a fence that stood there 'til the Lord come and give him sense; But what puzzles me most and I'd like to know, who in the dickens built that fence??? Fables are stories when a girl of sixteen may tell you that she never been kissed; Fables are stories when a just-arrived sailor sees just how bad he's missed; Fables are stories that eyes can tell when eye looks into eye; In the olden days they called 'em fables but they nothin' but doggone lies.
As I say, I haven't been able to compare Ralph's version with the original, but he is faithful to the original lyrics on the other songs he recorded on these CDs, which are Called 'Blues Skies, Black Heroes' and 'Stealin' Back'. I think they're still available from Ralph's website www.ralphmctell.co.uk He's not the greatest blues singer - as he would be the first to admit - but he really puts over well the ragtime and jug-band stuff. And he's a fine guitarist by any standard. Oh and a GREAT songwriter.