WATERMELON SEEDS IN YOUR BANJO CASE
by Glen Hoehne, 2001
for Amy Knowlton

The Story:
Glen (pronounced haney) is our banjo player, Amy is our mando player. Glen was telling Amy about some watermelon seeds that have been "saved" in his family for 3 generations....Heirloom Seeds. Amy said if there were enough she would like to have some for her garden. Glen kept forgetting to bring them along, so Amy called and left a message on his machine........

The Song:

Amy Knowlton called me just the other day
Now listen to my story, here's what she had to say:
"We're gonna plant a garden on the old home place,
Put some watermelon seeds in your banjo case."

Chorus:
Hey, hey my friend, could you find a little space
For watermelon seeds in your banjo case?

Well, I got right on it, I didn't let it rest
I set right out to honor her request.
I got those seeds, put 'em in a special place,
Watermelon seeds in my banjo case.

Chorus

Amy wants to beat the early freeze in the fall
With a watermelon called the Hoehne Cannonball
She wants to start them early, and get 'em in the race
(so I)Put some watermelon seeds in my banjo case.

Chorus

Next time there's a pickin, she'll put me to the test,
And ask if I've remembered her unusual request
I'll respond right away with a smile upon my face,
Your watermelon seeds are in my banjo case

Chorus

Glen says the tune is almost, but not quite like Battle of New Orleans/Eighth of January. I don't think so, but I can't figure out what it is. When I get it on tape, I'll send it to somebody who can notate tunes by ear, OK? But I just had to post the song......World Premier at the Goshen County Care Center, May Day 2001.