Lyr Req/Add: Horse called Napoleon

Subject: Lyr Req: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,LWood
Date: 12 Mar 04 - 03:42 PM

I have been looking for the words to this song since my mom passed away as she used to sing it to us kids all the time...HELP!

"I had a horse I called Napoleon,
All on account of his boney parts..."

Any help would be more than appreciated!

Thanks to all!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Horse called Napoleon
From: Stewie
Date: 12 Mar 04 - 04:41 PM

As I indicated in the other thread wherein you made this request, you will find info: HERE.

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Horse called Napoleon
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 12 Mar 04 - 06:39 PM

A major difficulty about finding this song on the Internet is the many ways to spell gidap, gid-ap, giddap, gidd-ap, giddiap, giddi-ap, giddiup, giddi-up, giddup, gidd-up, giddyap, giddy-ap, giddyup, giddy-up, gidiap, gidi-ap, gidiup, gidi-up, gidup, gid-up, gidyap, gidy-ap, gidyup, gidy-up, gitap, git-ap, gitiap, giti-ap, gitiup, giti-up, gittap, gitt-ap, gittiap, gitti-ap, gittiup, gitti-up, gittup, gitt-up, gittyap, gitty-ap, gittyup, gitty-up, gitup, git-up, gityap, gity-ap, gityup, or gity-up.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Horse called Napoleon
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 12 Mar 04 - 06:46 PM

However, I'm not sure GIDDYAP NAPOLEON (however you spell it) is the song Guest LWood wants. I haven't run across any version of the song that mentions "bony parts."

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Horse called Napoleon
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 12 Mar 04 - 07:40 PM

Jim Dixon, I believe that you are correct. Guest Wood wants a children's song. I vaguely remember it from a kid's book or magazine of poetry and stories, but I can't locate it anywhere. It may have been a revision of Wal I Swan, but different words.

There were a couple of children's magazines that came to our house, with poems and stories. On the internet there is a book with material collected from the old children's magazine "St. Nicholas," and I guarantee that most of the poems cannot be found anywhere else. Later magazines of the same type also had much material that was never reproduced elsewhere.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Horse called Napoleon
From: ranger1
Date: 12 Mar 04 - 07:42 PM

I dunno about horses named Napoleon, But I had an uncle named Napoleon. Who may well have sung about horses named Napoleon.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Horse called Napoleon
From: Ferrara
Date: 12 Mar 04 - 09:30 PM

LWood, try this.- Rita Ferrara

I have a dog, his name is Roscoe,
I have raised him from a pup,
He will sit up on his hind legs ...
If you hold his front legs up!

I have a horse, his name's Napoleon,
Named him for his bony parts,
He'll win any race he runs in ...
If he has the proper starts!

I have a car, an old Tin Lizzie,
It will give you chills and thrills,
It will run right down the valleys ...
If you push it up the hills!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Horse called Napoleon
From: Ferrara
Date: 12 Mar 04 - 09:34 PM

Hmmmm.... The memory cells are turning slowly.... A couple small corrections.

I have a dog, his name is Roscoe,
I have raised him from a pup,
He will sit up on his hind legs ...
If you hold his front legs up!

I have a horse, his name's Napoleon,
Named him for his bony parts,
He'll win any race he runs in ...
If he gets the proper starts!

I have a car, an old Tin Lizzie,
It will give you lots of thrills,
It will run right down the valleys ...
If you push it up the hills!

******
[The first line of this verse can also be,
"I have a car, it sure is somethin',
It will give you lots of thrills"]

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Horse called Napoleon
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 12 Mar 04 - 11:36 PM

You've got it!
Many verse variations. A different song, a twist of tune at the end of each verse, but of the same ilk:

I had a horse, his name was Bill,
And when he ran, he couldn't stand still.
He ran away one day and also I ran with him.

Horse

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Horse called Napoleon
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 13 Mar 04 - 12:05 AM

Something just clicked! There's a Homer and Jethro song that contains that joke about "bony parts." LULLABY OF BIRD DOG. I posted it myself! Probably still not what Guest Lwood wants, though; it's about a dog, not a horse.

Another Guest, Chicken Charlie, says he uses that joke in his introduction to GET UP NAPOLEON. Click here.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,LWood
Date: 14 Mar 04 - 04:02 PM

I am sending the rest of the lyrics as I remember them; maybe that will clue someone to fill in the gaps.

I DO APPRECIATE ALL THE CONTRIBUTIONS...It is not Giddyup Napoleon; I believe the name was just "Napoleon" or "The Old Milk Wagon Horse".

Anyway, this is what I remember:

I had a horse I called Napoleon,
All on account of his bony parts;
(??He was bred in old Kentucky??)
??_________________?? and off he'd start.

He was so thin, you could see right through him,
Hair just as fine and as smooth as silk -
Hitched him up to the old milk wagon,
Taught him to stop when I hollered 'milk' !

One fine day while I was driving,
'Long came a Jay with a rig so neat,
??__________________??
We'll have a race right down the street."

??__________________??
??__________________??
Til someone hollered "milk"
and I lost the race.

It honestly seems like there is another verse in there somewhere, because it seemed like we as kids hollered 'milk' at least three times or more during the song.

Thanks for any more help!

Lori

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,Lynne
Date: 25 Mar 04 - 01:29 PM

The way my grandfather used to sing the "Milk" song was as follows:

I had a horse and we called him Napoleon.
He had hair as fine as silk.
We drive him around with our milk wagon.
When we wanted him to stop we hollered "Milk."

One day when I was out a riding,
Along came a fella with a rig so neat.
Said he to me, "Come on, you rube,
And I'll give you a race right down the street."

So, off we started helter-skelter,
A great big smile upon my face.
When sure as a sinner I was comin' in a winner
When somebody hollered "Milk" and I lost the race!

Lynnelorie, Upstate New York

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,Lori
Date: 05 Apr 04 - 01:09 AM

Thanks Lynnelorie so much! That is much closer to the way mom sang it; just wish I knew where it came from to begin with!

Lori

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,Lynne Lorie
Date: 20 May 04 - 04:52 PM

Your very welcome Lori, I have a day care center and we now sing this song every day and all the kids love it, so it has now become a part of their lives as well. As for its origin, I don't have a clue but I remember sitting on my grandfathers knee and singing it with him in the early 50's.
Enjoy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,DLee
Date: 29 Jul 04 - 05:25 PM

My grandfather would always sing this song. I found your post trying to determine if it was a real song or had he made it up!

I had a horse his name Napoleon,
Noted for his bony parts.
He was sired by an old Hambletonian,
Damned by everyone that drove his carts.

One fine Sunday, while I was out riding,
Along came a gent with a rig so neat.
He said to me, "Come along, little Ruben.
We'll have a race right down the street."

Down the street we went helter-skelter,
Down the street at a terrible pace.
Sure as a sinner, I was coming out a winner
When a cuss hollered "MILK" and I lost the race.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Horse called Napoleon
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 29 Jul 04 - 08:03 PM

DLee, Thanks for sharing that one with us.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,dlee
Date: 29 Jul 04 - 08:58 PM

It is fun to find other people who know this song! I would love to know its origins. We are from southern Maine if that helps.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,matt in provo, ut
Date: 09 Jan 05 - 08:39 PM

My grandpa and my great uncle both used to sing this song but some of the words may have been altered because my grandmother didn't like him to swear. Here are both verses as I remember them. If you find out any more or a published source I would be very interested in knowing where it came from. There are a lot of historical political and racial meanings from what I glean.
^^
Had me horse and I called him Napoleon
All on account of his bony parts.
He was sired by Old Hamiltonian,
Darned by everyone 'round these parts.

Bred so fine you could see right through him,
Hair as fine as any silk,
I'd hitch him up to my old milk wagon
An' if I wanted him to stop, I'd holler "Milk!"

The other day when I was out a-riding,
Along came a man with a rig so neat.
He said, "Look here, you rube.
I'll run you a race right down this street."

So off we started a helter-skelter,
And I had smile all over my face.
Sure as I's sinner, I's comin' in a winner
When a lady called "milk" and I lost the race.

Slept in barn late last Sunday,
Hadn't a penny and I was dead broke.
As I lie there with my mouth wide open,
A gosh darn rat ran down my throat.

So I got me some cheese and an' I put right here (points to chin)
An' I got me a tom cat all full o' fleas.
Up came the rat an' spied the cat
Down went the rat, cat, and whole darn cheese.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,Jana
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 09:43 PM

I was trying to find the words to this for my mother. She remembers her grandmother singing it when she was little. My grandmother passed it on to my generation...Here are the words as we remember:

Napoleon

I've got a horse and his name's Napoleon
That's on account of his bony parts
He was raised by old mother doe,
The very same horse that came out of the ark

He's so thin you can see right through him
Coat so fine and soft as silk
I hitch him to my milk wagon
When I want to stop I holler Milk

One fine day while I was riding
Along came a man with a very fine horse / in a rig so neat
Said hey Rube, I'll run you a race
Have you a race right down the street

Off we started helter skelter
Me with a smile all over my face
Just then a lady hollered Milk,
And so you see we lost the race.

I too would dearly love to know where this came from. It is one of those songs that means a lot to my family...along with "Playmates" which also took me a fair bit of trying to find.

Interesting how everyone who has heard the song seems to be from different areas...that makes me think it's older than my original thought - after all, it takes time for things to travel...or at least it did prior to the internet!

Jana ::Windsor, Ontario, Canada::

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,Yorc
Date: 03 Feb 05 - 01:34 PM

Here is my take. My Uncle sang this while bouncing a younger family member on his knee. The further into the song he was, the faster he sang and the faster he bounced. I have no clue as to where this came from.

I had an old horse and I called him Napoleon
Just cus of all of his bony parts.
He was sired by Old Hamiltonian,
Dammed by near everyone 'round these parts.

He was so fine you could see right through him,
Hair as fine as any silk,
I hitched him up to an old milk wagon
Taught him to halt when I hollered "Milk!"

The other day when I was a-riding,
Along came a man with a rig so neat.
He said, ??????????????????????
I'll run you a race right down this street."

So off we went a helter-skelter,
And I had smile all over my face.
Sure as I's sinner, I's comin' in a winner
When the rube hollered "milk" and I lost my race.

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: Joe Offer
Date: 03 Feb 05 - 08:54 PM

What's the tune for this? I'm thinking, "Reuben Reuben I've Been Thinking" (in the Digital Traditon as Reuben and Rachel). Is that the tune?
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 02:39 AM

Joybell's partner Greg sings this very well and could probably provide the dots.

Regards, John

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,charlotte
Date: 12 Mar 05 - 06:34 PM

It's amazing how many people know this song. I thought it was an original when my grandfather sang it to us. He bounced us on his knee to imitate the horse race. What a great memory.

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: Ferrara
Date: 13 Mar 05 - 02:30 AM

Joe, yes, at least, I learned it to the tune of "Reuben, Reuben."

These are great verses that people are remembering! Much better than the kids' version I learned.

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,Libby
Date: 21 Nov 05 - 08:31 PM

Here is how I remember it

Had me a horse and I called him Napoleon
Named on account of his boney parts
Bought him from an old post Indian
Known to everyone in these parts

He was so thin you could see right through him
His hair was as fine as the finest silk
Hitched him to an old milk wagon
Taught him to stop when I hollered "milk"

Along came a dude in the finest livery
Asked me if I wanted to race
Sure as a sinner I was coming home a winner
when the dude hollered "milk" and I lost that race.

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From:
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 11:17 AM

I too was sung this by my Grandpa, and my dad...and I sang it to all of my kids. Our version went like this: (the reference to the "sugar place" perhaps reflects our Vermont roots, for those of you not from New England, a sugar place is a stand of maple trees which are tapped in the spring to make maple syrup.)

I had a horse and his name was Napolean
He had hair of the finest silk
Hitched him to an old board wagon
Learned him to whoa when I hollered milk

I met a man and his name was Bailey
He had a horse and the horse was bay
Bailey said lets have a race
up and down the sugar place

We started out a hilter skilter
Up and down the sugar place
Sure as I'm a sinner I was comin' in the winner
When a woman hollered "milk!" and I lost the race.

(The child is bounced on the knees and let slip between the open knees on the final milk. It has never failed to get a gleeful laugh from any child!)

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,Becky Hill
Date: 25 May 07 - 04:04 PM

Another version - this one from New York state and Pennsylvania :
this one was also sung, speeding up at the end, with the kids yelling "Milk" as the punchline


THE MILK SONG / NAPOLEON
Sung to the tune of "Reuben, Reuben or Reuben, Rachel"

I had a horse and I called him Napoleon
All because of his bony parts
He was sired by HAMBLETONIAN*
All you had to do was to make him start

He was so thin you could look right through him
He had hair as fine as silk
I drove him around in my old milk wagon
When I wanted him to stop I hollered out "MILK"

As I was driving along so gaily
Along came a feller with a rig so fine
He said to me, "C'mon, you reuben"
How about a race right down this line?

Away we went helter-skelter
I had a smile all over my face
For as sure as I'm a sinner I was comin" out a winner
When he hollered out "MILK" and I lost the race!!

Always ended up with
Bum bada dada bum bum (shave and haircut, two bits) refrain.

Sung to the Baker Children by Charles M. Baker, 1940's – and probably to him by his mother, Ethel Slack Baker in the 1910's (Western NY and PA. origins)

*Hambletonian was the name of a famous trotter race horse from NY state in the mid 1800's

Rebecca Baker Hill
Tiffin, OH

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Feb 08 - 10:39 PM

Are you still loking for word to napolean ?

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,Mary
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 11:24 PM

I also heard this as a child and it goes:

I had a horse and his name was Napoleon
All I had was the bony parts
I hitched him up to an old milk wagon
Hollered MILK when I wanted him to stop

One fine day while out a-riding
Long came a chap in a rig so neat
He said, You brute I'll run you in a race
All up and down the big main street.

Off we started helter skelter
I had a grin all over my face
Sure as a sinner I was comin' in a winner
When someone hollered MILK and I lost the race!

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,Mary
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 11:28 PM

Forgot to add that in my family, this song was taught by my grandmother who was from Utica, NY.
Great song for kids!!

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,GraceAZ
Date: 19 Apr 08 - 04:48 PM

I have a horse, his name's Napoleon
called on account of his bony parts.
He is known to all Hambletonians
and to all throughout these parts.

Well, one fine day when we were out walking
along came a horse with a rig so neat.
Said he to me, "You old dobbin,
we'll have a race right down the street."

So away we went helter skelter.
We were goin' at a heck of a pace.
When all of a sudden someone hollered,
"Milk!" and that's how we lost the race.

My mother taught me this song and she grew up in Buffalo, NY (1913-2006) in an Irish family. What I like about it is the surprise - that the horse pulled a milk wagon and would stop at the mere call of the word - milk.

If anyone knows the song that ends with the line, "Get out of here with that boom boom boom and don't come back no more!" I would appreciate knowing the lyrics and background on it. Thank you!

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: Melissa
Date: 19 Apr 08 - 05:17 PM

Hi Grace,
The 'boom-boom-boom' song you're looking for sounds like "The Thing". You can find lyrics in the DT by using the searchbox at the upper corner of this page.

Enjoy!

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Apr 08 - 12:37 PM

I think its:

"I've got a horse named Mapoleon,
so he's known for his boney parts...
Hitched him up to my milk wagon,
taught him to woe when I yelled 'Milk'...

Down the lane one Sunday mornin,
I was goin at a hell of a pace...
Someone yelled 'Miiiiiilk'...
And I lost the race..."

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,NAPOLEON; When I wanted him to stop, MILK !
Date: 03 May 08 - 08:19 AM

The lyrics are:

I HAD A HORSE, AND HIS NAME WAS NAPOLEON,
all because of his bony parts!
He was owned by old man NOLAN,
and he ran by fits and starts.

He was so thin you could see right through him,
and his hair was as soft as silk;
WHEN I WANTED HIM TO STOP,
I HOLLERED "MILK”!

Away we went, all helter-skelter,
I had a smile all over my face!
As sure as I'm a sinner, I'd 'a' been the WINNER;
But HE HOLLERED MILK... AND I lost the race.

My father, born in 1879, taught to me this song, in Syracuse, N.Y.
He, Bill Farley, Cazenovia, was a Harness racer, Saratoga racetrack, & professional horse trainer, and the "Uncle Bill" mentioned on jacket of every book by his nephew author of the Black Stallion books, Walter Lorimer Farley.
Regards,
Judith Lorimer Farley
Melbourne Beach Florida [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,Joe from Buffalo
Date: 02 Aug 08 - 10:38 AM

All great references, but the original post was inquiring about a song about a horse named Napoleon "all on account of his bone-e-parts". This Napleon song is a different one, folks. My grandfather used to sing it and he is originally from Syracuse, N.Y. It mentions "the Hambletonian" which is a long-standing harness race in upstate New York. The song follows a medium galloping beat. The lyrics that I learned are:

I had a horse and his name was Napoleon
All on account of his bone-e-parts
He was the sire of an old Hambletonian
The son-of-a-gun would never start

He was so thin you could see right through him
Hair on his eyes as fine as silk
I drove him on my milk wagon
When I wanted him to stop I'd holler milk

Then one day up-on the street
I met a rube with a rig so neat
Says I old rube I'll bet you a five-er
I can beat you down the street

So off we started down the street
You can bet yer life twas a live-ly pace
Sure as a sinner, I was the winner
Till someone hollered, MILK! And I lost the race

Subject: ADD: Horse Called Napoleon
From: GUEST,KB from Alabama
Date: 13 Oct 08 - 06:34 PM

The way I learned it in grammar school (1960's) was:

HORSE CALLED NAPOLEON

I once had a horse, and his name was Napoleon;
all on account of his Bone-y-parts.
He was sired by an old Hambletonian
known to everybody 'round these parts.

Oom-pa-da, oom-pa-da, Oom-pa-da, oom-pa-da

He was so thin you could look right through him,
His hair was as fine as any silk.
He pulled me in my old milk wagon
and I taught him to stop I hollered milk.

Oom-pa-da, oom-pa-da, Oom-pa-da, oom-pa-da

Then one day while I was out a-ridin'
along came a feller in a rig so neat.
Says he to me I'll bet you a five-er
Let's have a race right down the street.

Oom-pa-da, oom-pa-da, Oom-pa-da, oom-pa-da

So off we started helter skelter;
I was a-goin' at a thunderin' pace,
But as sure as you're a sinner, I was comin' out the winner
when the feller hollered, MILK! and I lost the race.

Oom-pa-da-la-doom-pa, Too Bad!

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 13 Oct 08 - 09:39 PM

Be interesting to find out where this song came from. Seems fairly old.
Very different from "Wal, I Swan," by Burt (1907), with its 'Giddyap, Napoleon, it looks like rain.'

Most versions speak of the boney parts.
The Hambletonian still goes on, at the meadowlands.

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Oct 08 - 10:28 AM

I had a horse and his name was napolean
on on the count of his bony parts.

He was skinny you could look right through him,
his hair was as fine as any silk.
I hitched him up to my old milk wagon
and taught him him to stop when i hollered milk.

One day when i was out a ridin',
a fella came along with a rig so neat.
He said to me, ya gul darn ruben
let's run a race right down the street.

We were going helter schelter,
we were running thunder and pace,
sure as a sinner i was a comin as the winner,
when the fellar hollered milk and i lost the race.


That is what i remember of the song. My grandpa used to sing it to my brother and I as kids.

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,Tony Jensen in Idaho
Date: 19 Oct 08 - 11:44 PM

I'm the Grandpa who used to sing this to my kids and grandkids. Sung to the tune "Reuben, Reuben, I been thinkin".
These are the ONLY TRUE lyrics.

I had a horse and his name was Napoleon
all on account of his boney-parts.
He was sired by an old Hambletonian (a breed of carriage horse)
and darned by everybody round these parts.

He was so thin you could see right thru him
hair as fine as any silk.
So I hitched him up to my old milk wagon
and taught his to stop when I hollered "MILK"

One afternoon when I was out ridin'
along came a feller with his rig so neat.
Said he to me "You old, darn Reuben" (old-fashioned person)
"Let's have a race, right down the street".

So we started, helter-skelter.
I was a-comin at a thunderin' pace.
Sure as a sinner, I was comin' as a winner,
When the feller hollered "MILK", and I lost the race.

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 20 Oct 08 - 01:33 PM

Guest Tony Jensen-
Source of your lyrics?

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,dan
Date: 28 Feb 09 - 08:14 PM

not sure you are still looking for these lyrics, but if you are I can probably get them - my grandma used to sing it, and my aunt still knows all the words.
you can email me at [e-mail] if you want me to try and get them from her.

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 28 Feb 09 - 08:46 PM

All lyrics that differ from those already posted are welcome.

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,MBW
Date: 16 Mar 09 - 04:11 PM

My grandfather, who would be 95 if he were still alive, taught all of us the version below. It seems to include extra verses. He was from Wells County, Indiana, where his family has resided for several generations.

Horse named Napoleon

I had a horse, and I named him Napoleon-
all on account of his Bone-y-parts.
He was sired by old Hambletonian
and oh when he did start.

His thighs were so thin you could look right through him,
His hair was as fine as the best of silk.
He pulled me around in my old milk wagon
and when I wanted to stop I'd yell out "milk!"

One fine day while in the city
along came a feller in a rig so neat.
I said, "Come on Napoleon,
let's rade race right down the street.

So away we went - helter skelter.
I was a-goin' at a thunderin' pace,
But as sure as a sinner, I was comin' out the winner
when a cuss yelled, "MILK!" and I lost the race.

Took my gal on a boad excursion.
Had a great time, for which we paid.
Peanuts, crackerjacks, and popcorn.
Rinsed it down with cold lemonade.

Got on the train to go to the city.
Went in the smoking car and set down.
Stuck my ticket in the brim of my hat,
and the gal' darned wind blew it out on the track.

Along came the conductor and said, "Give me your ticket or
I'll put you on the track."
I got ahead of that gal' darned critter.
I got a one way ticket and I'm not-a-going back!

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,Melanie
Date: 16 Apr 09 - 12:40 AM

I had a horse whose name was "Napoleon"
All on account of his boney parts
He was sired by old Hambletonian
Damned by all who saw him start

He was so thin you could see right through him
Hair on him was fine as silk
I drove him to my milk wagon
When I wanted to stop, I hollered out, "Milk!"

I was out ridin' one fine mornin'
'Long came a rooker, rigged so neat
Said he to me, "Come on old duffer,
We'll have a race right down the street"

Ohhh! I started out all helter-skelter
I had a smile all over my face
Sure as a sinner, I was comin' out the winner
When the cuss hollered, "Milk!"...And I lost... the... race

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,Melanie
Date: 16 Apr 09 - 01:14 AM

I made the last post. Thought I'd also mention that this song came from my grandma, who got it from her Dad. His name was Hampton, and he was born and lived in northeastern Oregon. I think he was born in the 1880s. His heritage was English.

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,vahnell
Date: 11 May 09 - 01:22 PM

Here is the song that my grandfather born in 1888 in western Pa. used to sing to me as a child and this was his version of the song.

I had a horse who's name was Napoleon
All on account of his bony parts
I hitched him up to an old milk wagon
and when you'd holler "milk" he stop that cart

As I was going down the street
when a friend I chanced to meet
So he said to me-"now look here Silas
let's have a race right down the street"

So off we started helter skelter
Me with a grin all over my face
You can bet your dinner I was coming in a winner
when a women hollered "MILK" and I lost that race!

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 10:53 PM

I had a horse and his name was Napoleon,
All on account of his bony parts,
Bought him from a friend right down the street,

He was so thin you could see right through him.
His hair was as fine as the finest silk,
Hooked him up to my old milk wagon,
Taught him to stop when I hollered "MILK!"

We were going down the street one day,
When a fella' we did meet,
Said he to me;
"Let's have a race right down the street!'

We were going helter skelter,
we were going at thunderous pace.
When a fellow shouted, 'MILK!'
and stopped that race!

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,Jana
Date: 12 Sep 09 - 06:29 PM

I've been looking for a printed reference since I first posted back in 2005. Finally - after years of searching - I found one.

The reference is in a children's songbook called "A Ring Around the Moon" by Edith Fowke. Pg. 35.

The book was published by NC Press - the copy I bought is a Second Edition (1987). The first edition was printed in 1977 - but I don't know if the song is in it.

Here are the words in the book:

The Horse Named Napoleon

I once had a horse and his name was Napoleon;
Named on account of his bony parts.
Bought him from an old Post Indian
Known to everyone in these parts.

He was so thin you could see right through him,
Hair was as soft as the finest silk.
Hitched him to an old milk wagon,
Taught him to stop when I yelled "Milk!"

Along came a dude in the finest livery,
Said to me, "Son, would you run a race?"
Sure as a sinner I was coming in a winner
When the dude yelled "Milk!" and I lost that race.

My mom was thrilled when I mentioned it to her. Yes, this is likely a regionalization of the song - since its not the one she learned, or that many here have learned. Apparently the version in the book came from Kingston, Ontario in the 1940s.

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,Laura Creighton
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 11:32 PM

My grandfather taught my father a different version in the 1940s.


I had a horse and I named him Napoleon,
named him because of his bonnie pride,
Hitched him to an old milk wagon.
Taught him to stop when I cried 'Milk!'.

Along comes the duke in the finest livery,
He asks me 'Do you want to race?'
And sure as I'm sinning I was coming in a winning ....
when the duke said 'Milk!' ...

   and I lost that race!

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,999
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 04:23 AM

Marilyn Taylor Wilkinson
TUNE: Michael Finnigan
SITE SOURCE: Folklore Unit - People


NAPOLEON

I had a horse and his name was Napoleon
All on account of his bony parts
He was sired by an old Hambletonian,
Damned by everyone round these parts

He was so thin you could see right through him;
Hair as fine as the finest silk.
I hitched him up to an old milk wagon;
Taught him to stop when I hollered 'Milk!'

As I was goin' to town one morning,
Met a fellow with a rig so fine.
Said he, "I'll race your old Hambletonian,"
Said I, "You're on," and I fell in line.

Down the road a helter skelter ,
We were going at a hell of a pace.
Sure as I'm a sinner I was comin' out winner;
Someone hollered 'Milk!" and I lost that race.

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 04:31 AM

[18] The Circus Band:
Transcribed for band by Jonathan Elkus from George F. Roberts's orchestration, with [optional] mixed chorus, of Ives's song, S33, Version 3 (Peer International)

Composed as a march possibly as early as 1894 but worked over several times in the next forty years, Ives's verses to this thoroughbred quickstep's printing in his 114 Songs are at once witty and wistful:

All summer long, we boys dreamed 'bout big circus joys!
Down Main Street, comes the band, Oh!
          "Ain't it a grand and a glorious noise!" [Repeat]
Horses are prancing, Knights advancing;
Helmets gleaming, Pennants streaming,
Cleopatra's on her throne! That golden hair is all her own. [Repeat] [Tri]
Where is the lady all in pink? Last year she waved to me I think,
Can she have died? Can! that! rot! She is passing but she sees me not.
          [Last time patchwork-overlay of college songs from Version 3:]
Riding down from Bangor on the midnight train,
Rip, slam, bang we go, Sir, right on thro' the rain,
I had a horse we'd called Napoleon,
All on account of his "Bony parts."
When in after years we take our children on our knee,
We'll teach them that the alphabet begins with D.K.E.

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,Jack
Date: 11 Apr 10 - 07:43 PM

This is GREAT! I'm trying to find this as I learned it, which was from a songbook maybe 30 or 40 years ago. I will have to see if I can find it.....but the bits I remember are closer to the original request from Lori:

I had a horse his name Napoleon
All on account of his bony parts.
He was raised in old Kentucky
I'd holler "race" and off he'd start.

One day while riding through the city
'Long came a jay with a rig so neat
He said "Come on Reuben,
We'll have a race right down the street".

That's all I remember, except that it ended with ...
"hollered milk and I lost the race".

The tune was perhaps the ones refereed to, but another (insidious) song to the same tune is from Sharon, Lois and Bram:

I am slowly going crazy
One two three for five six switch
Slowly going crazy am I
Six five four three two one switch       and repeat forever!

except Napoleon has a nice horsey gait....

If I find the book I'll post again. - Jack

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,Jack
Date: 13 Apr 10 - 11:00 PM

Hi again. I found it! The songbook is called "Golden Guitar Pop Instructor / Volume IV: CLASSICAL GAS", and features a hand-written (by Mason Williams) arrangement of that song. A Charles Hanson Publication, from sometime in the 70's. "Napoleon" is on page 66, and listed as "Copyright 1961 by California Music Press". It's is 2/4 with 4 sharps. Pretty much as people have reported:

I had a horse his name Napoleon
All on account of his boney parts.
He was bred in old Kentucky
I'd holler "race" and off he'd start.

He was so thin you could see through him,
Hair all over as fine as sink,
Drove him to my milk wagon,
When I wanted him to stop I'd holler "Milk"

One day while driving through the city
'Long came a "Jay" with a rig so neat
He said "Come on Reuben,
We'll have a race right down the street".

Away we went helter skelter,
I was ahead and I laughed in his face
Sure as a sinner, I was a winner,
Till he holler'd "Milk" and I lost the race.

All the best,
Jack (Kitchener, ON)

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,Lynn
Date: 31 May 10 - 11:41 PM

I can't believe others are doing the same search. My mom has broken her hip so with her help (she has dementia but it was amazing how she could remember this song) I am trying to resurrect the old song. here is what I have (plus the couple of lines I was missing that I got from your post)

I had a horse and his name was Napoleon
named on account of his bony parts
he was sired by old Namatoneon
and damned by everyone who rode in the park

he was so thin you could see right through him
hair was as fine as the finest silk
I drove him in my milk wagon
and when I wanted to stop I hollered out Milk

One day while driving through the city
along came a rig with a jay so neat
he said mister I will race you
round the block and along the main street

off we were riding helter skelter
we were a'going at a terrible pace
sure as I'm a sinner I was coming in the winner
when he hollered out milk and I lost that race

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 10:54 AM

I had a horse and his name was Napolean
all I had was the pony cart
hooked him to an old milk wagon
hollared "MILK" when I wanted him to stop

One fine day as I was riding
Along came a man in a rig said he
said say boy, do you wanna have a race
up and down the Old Main (or man's) street

Started off with a helter skelter
I had a smile all over my face
as soon I was sure I was comin' out a winner
someone hollared "MILK" and I lost the race...

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,My mother sang this too (in Idaho):
Date: 04 Aug 10 - 08:34 PM

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,Phillips, Maine
Date: 10 Aug 10 - 10:37 AM

I had a horse and his name was Napoleon
Named on account of his bony parts
He was sired by old Macedonian
And damned by everyone who rode on the cart

He was so thin you could look right through him
Hair was fine as the finest silk
Drove him twenty-one years on the milk cart
When I wished to stop I'd sing out, "MILK!"

The other day down to the city
I met a man with a rig so neat
He said to me, "Come on you reuben,
Lets run a race right down the street".

Off we started helter-skelter
I was ahead and I set the pace
Sure as a sinner I was comin' in a winner
When someone hollered milk, and I lost the race....

This is the way my Dad used to sing it to his children and grand- children.

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,jijisan
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 05:38 PM

I had a horse and I called him Napoleon
All on account of his bony parts.
He was the fastest in the county
Folks would laugh to see him start

I drove him around on an old milk wagon
If I wanted him to stop I'd holler MILK.
He was bred in old Kentucky
Hair as fine as any silk.

I went to town the other ev'nin
Seen a feller with a hoss so fine
He says, "Ya goldern Rube
I'll give ya a race right down the line.

Off we started helter skelter
Me with a smile all over my face.
Sure as I'm a sinner we was comin' in a winner
when the cuss yelled MILK and we lost that race.

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,jijisan
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 10:37 PM

Further adventures of Napoleon.

I run the old mill over here in Reubenville,
My name's Joshuaway Ebanezer Frye.
I know a thing or two, you can bet your boots I do,
Can't fool me 'cause I'm too derned sly.
I've met the bunco men, always get the best of them;
Once met a couple on the Boston train
They says, "How be you?" I says, "Wal, that'l do,
Just travel right along with yer derned skin game".

cho: Wal, I swan, I must be gitt'n on,
      Nex time yer over stop in at the farm.
      I'll be switched, the hay ain't pitched
      Git up Napoleon, it looks like rain.

Hitched up the old mare, went over to the county fair
Took first prize on a load of summer squash.
Came home by the hill, stopped at the cider mill,
Got just as full as a tick by gosh.
Got home so dern late
I couldn't see the garden gate
Ma says, Joshaway, tain't possibile.

We had a big show here about a week ago
Pitched up a tent by the old mill dam.
Ma says, "Let's go in the side show
Just to get a look at the tattooed man.
I seen a cuss look sharp at my pocketbook.
He says, "Gimme two tens for a a five?"
I says,"Ya dern fool I be the constable
Now yer arrested sure as yer alive.

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,Sally in Logan, UT
Date: 04 Mar 11 - 03:21 PM

My Grandfather used to sing this song to me as he rocked me in his rocking chair here in Logan, Utah. I have fond memories of those occasions. The lyrics which matt in provo, ut posted are the exact lyrics that I remember my Grandfather singing except we always thought the last two stanzas were from a different song and that he would sing them with the same tune. Perhaps not, now that I see Matt's post. I google searched the title "Horse named Napoleon" and found a YouTube video of a father singing this song to his son on his lap. The tune was the same that I recall Grandpa singing. Does anyone else have information on what seems to be this folk song?

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Mar 11 - 04:09 PM

i had a horse and his name was napolean
all on account of his bony parts
he was sired by hambletonian
and darned by people round these parts

skin so soft you could see right through it
hair as fine as the finest silk
i hooked him up to an old milk wagon
and taught him to stop when i hollered milk

now one day i was out ridin
and along came a man with a nice ...
...........................*
sure as a sinner i was comin in a winner
when the man yelled MILK and i lost the race


* sorry i couldnt remember this part

Subject: RE: Lyr Req/Add: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,Cain Monroe Bilbrey - Dunkirk, IN
Date: 08 May 12 - 08:38 AM

"I GOT A HORSE AND I NAMED HIM NAPOLEON"

As sung by Oron Monroe Holloway (1914-2000) Dunkirk, IN. Jay County
Most likely taught to him by his father Simon Monroe Holloway (1883-1974) Petroleum, IN. Wells County
Posted by Cain Monroe Bilbrey 1970-present (Oron's Grandson)and Tonya Brooke (Holloway) Johnson 1951-present (Oron's only daughter/Cain's mother)


I got a horse and I named him Napoleon,
all on account of his boney thighs.
He was sired by 'ole Hambletonian*,
and known by all when he did ride.

His sides were so thin you could see right thru them.
His hair was the finest, best of silk,
I drove him around with an old milk wagon,
when I wanted him to stop, I'd yell out "MILK!"

One day while I was in the city
along came a feller with a rig so neat,
Said: "C'mon Hey Rube*
let's race right down the street!"

So, away we went helter-skelter*,
I had a smile all over my face.
Sure as a sinner I was coming in a winner
when a cuss yelled:"MILK!" and I lost my race.

Took my girl on a board/boat excursion*
had a great time for which we paid
Peanuts, popcorn, cracker-jacks
rinsed it down with the pink lemonade.
.
Got on the train to go to the city.
Went in the smoking car and sat down.
Stuck my ticket in the brim of my hat,
And the gal' darned wind blew it out on the track.

Along came the conductor and said, "Give me your ticket
or I'll put you on the track."
I got ahead of that gal' darned critter.
I got a one way ticket and I'm not-a-going back!


*Hambletonian: was the name of a famous trotter race horse from NY state in the mid 1800's.
*Hey Rube: is a slang phrase most commonly used in the United States by circus and travelling carnival workers ("carnies"), with origins in the middle 19th century. It is a rallying call, or a cry for help, used by carnies in a fight with outsiders. It is also sometimes used to refer to such a fight: "The clown got a black eye in a hey Rube."
*Helter-Skelter: a poem by Jonathan Swift.
*Board Excursion: referring to the BOARDWALK.
*Boat Excursion: referring to a FERRY BOAT RIDE.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req/Add: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,HC
Date: 15 Jul 12 - 09:57 AM

You may be having trouble finding it because it's not boney parts, he called his that because his nose was a "bone a-part".

Subject: RE: Lyr Req/Add: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,Ken Sutton, Machipongo
Date: 17 Nov 12 - 08:36 AM

Yes, Helter Skelter is a poem by Swift. But it is also the term used in the UK to describe a children's playground slide. Most likely its general meaning of chaotic haste applies.

Here is my memory:

The Horse Named Napoleon
(To the tune of Feller from Fortune)

I owned a horse named Napoleon
Named on account of his boney parts
He was so fine you could see right through him
His hair was as fin as silk

He was so fine you could see right through him
His hair was as fine as silk
Hitched him up to the old milk wagon
Taught him to whoa when I hollered, "Milk"

One fine day I was out to ride him
Along came a feller so nice and neat
He said, "Hey you gol durn Ruben
Let's have a race right down this street."

Off we were a helter skelter
We were goin' at an awful pace
Sure as a sinner I was comin' out the winner
When some fool yelled "Milk!" and I lost that race


My father taught me the song when I was eight or nine. He learned it from his grandfather. Dad sang it with great enthusiasm and drama. The first two verses he delivered at a slow pace with great solemnity. In the third verse he gave, "Hey you gol durn Ruben" careful and word by word emphasis. The next line he gave with a great rush that continued all the way to the word "Milk". He shouted milk in a loud excited voice and paused. The last line, "And I lost that race", Dad delivered spoken in a tone of resignation and a shrug of the shoulder.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req/Add: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,Guest... Dunvegan31/Michigan
Date: 20 Nov 12 - 12:00 PM

Okay, I have my mom and grandmother here. We learned this from family members handed down. I find it funny how close so many of these are, yet no two are the same. We never said some of the things most of these do, but again, I am sure to all of us they are the right ones.

OUR VERSION WE KNOW...

There once was a horse and his name was Napolean,
All on account of his boney parts.
He was sired by Old Man Toleon,
The way he would go would break your heart.

He was so thin you could see right through him,
Hair as fine as any silk.
I used to drive him on my milk wagon,
When you wanted him to stop you just hollered out milk.

I took him to the races one day,
Round the race track he did pace.
Sure as I'm a sinner he was comin' in a winner,
Some sucker hollered out milk and he lost the race.

My grandmother is 90 this year and this was just dictated to me as she knew it. She leared it from a man that was very old when SHE was a kid. I hope this helps also.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req/Add: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Feb 14 - 06:48 PM

My grandfather taught it to us:

Oh I had a horse his name was nepolian
All on account of his bony parts
He was sired by old Hamiltonian
Damned by all who saw him star

He was so thin you could see right through him
Hair on him was as fine as silk
He was tied to my milk wagon
When I want to stop I holler MILK

We were out riding one fine mornin'
Along come a duffer with a rig so neat
Said he to me come on old feller
We'll have a race right down the street

Oh we started out on belter smelter
There was a smile all over my face
Sure as a sinner I was comin out a winner
when the cuss hollered MILk And I lost the race

Subject: RE: Lyr Req/Add: Horse called Napoleon
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 01 Mar 14 - 12:16 PM

Hambletonian 10 was a famous horse in harness racing (1849-1876).

He was a foundation sire of the Standardbred harness horse breed.

The Hambletonian Stakes, the well-known harness race, is named for Hambletonian 10.

This horse has ben called the "Father of the American trotter."

Subject: RE: Lyr Req/Add: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,milehighguy
Date: 09 Nov 14 - 12:33 AM

My late Mother, born: Dedham, Mass., 1910 used to sing this song to my brother and me, when we were kids in the '50's, thusly:

The Horse Named Napoleon
(To the tune of Feller from Fortune)

I bought a horse and I named him Napoleon
all on account of his boney parts.
He was so thin you could see right through him,
his hair was as fine as the finest silk.

He'd been owned by an old Hambletonian,
known everywhere around these parts.
Hitched him to an old milk wagon
taught him to halt when I hollered, "Milk!"

One fine morning we went riding
along came a feller in a rig so neat.
He he hollered out, "Yuh gosh darn Rueben,
let's have a race right down this street."

Well, off we started helter skelter,
we were goin' at a thunderin' pace.
Sure you're as a sinner I was comin' in a winner,
When the feller hollered "Milk!"... and I lost the race!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req/Add: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,milehighguy
Date: 09 Nov 14 - 12:47 AM

My late Mother, born: Dedham, Mass., 1910 used to sing this song to my brother and me, when we were kids in the '50's.

I do not know any name for the tune to which it is sung.
I recall the tune clearly, but I do not believe it was to the tune of "Feller From Fortune" as I noted by mistake in the post above.

My Horse Named Napoleon

I bought a horse and I named him Napoleon
all on account of his bony parts.
He was so thin you could see right through him,
his hair was as fine as the finest silk.

He'd been owned by an old Hambletonian,
known everywhere around these parts.
Hitched him to an old milk wagon,
taught him to halt when I hollered, "Milk!"

One fine morning we went riding
along came a feller in a rig so neat.
He he hollered out, "Yuh gosh darn Rueben,
let's have a race right down this street."

Well, off we started helter skelter,
we were goin' at a thunderin' pace.
Sure you're as a sinner I was comin' in a winner,
When the feller hollered "Milk!"... and I lost the race!

Subject: Lyr Add: THE MILK DERBY (Kirkbride)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 09 Nov 14 - 10:19 PM

I finally found this song in print!

From Holstein-Friesian World, Vol. 18, No. 18 (Laconia, NY and Syracuse, NY: Holstein-Friesian World, Inc., April 30, 1921), page 95:

THE MILK DERBY
Song by Kirkbride
(Tune—"Reuben, Reuben, I've Been Thinking")

I had a horse and his name was Napoleon,
All on account of his bony parts.
He was sired by a Hamiltonean [sic],
Cussed by everyone 'round these parts.
He was so thin you could see right through him,
Hair was as fine, as fine as silk.
Hitched him up to an old milk wagon,
Taught him to stop when I hollered "Milk."

As I was going to town one morning,
I met Ed Scott in a rig so fine.
Says he, "I'll race your old Hamiltonean."
Says I, "All right," so we fell in line.
Down the road we helter-skeltered.
We were going at a hang of a pace.
The old humdinger was coming out winner,
When Ed hollers "Milk" and I lost that race.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req/Add: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,Julstar
Date: 17 Mar 15 - 06:28 PM

My grandfather born in 1890 sang this song to us all the time.I know the words...
I had a horse and his name was Napoleon all because of his boney parts. He was sired by an old Hambletonian known right well around these parts. He was so thin you could see right through him. His mane was as fine as the finest silk. I hitched him to an old milk wagon and taught him to stop when I hollered out Milk! One fine morning we were out driving, we met with a gent in a rig so neat. He said Rubin (an insulting name for a farmer) I ain't foolin', I'll run you a race rightdown the street. So off we went in a helter skelter, we were settin ' a mighty fine pace. Sure as a sinner I was comin' in a winner, when a lady called out Milk! And I lost the race!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req/Add: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,Nth degree Dave
Date: 04 Mar 17 - 12:35 PM

There are a few variations in different versions. Basically, it goes like this:

I had a horse his name was Napoleon
All on account of his bony parts
He was sired by old Hambletonian
Damned by all who drove his carts.

He was so thin you could see right through him
Hair on him was fine as silk
I drove him to my milk wagon
Taught him to stop when I hollered "MILK"

I was out drivin' one fine mornin'
Along came a rooker, rig so neat
Says he to me, come on old duffer
We'll have a race right down the street

Oh, I started out all helter skelter
I had a smile all over my face
Sure as a sinner I was comin' out the winner
Then the cuss hollered "MILK" and I lost the race

Subject: RE: Lyr Req/Add: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,mlsnow
Date: 08 May 17 - 10:43 AM

My grandmother, born in 1901, sang this to us when we were small.


I had a horse and I called him Napleon
All on account of his bony parts
When I hitched him to my milk wagon
Sure's you hollered milk
He was bound to stop.

Then one day when I was out riding
Up came a dude with a rig so neat
Said he to me you gosh darned rube
I'll run you a race right down the street.

Off we started helter skelter
Dust a'flyin round us both
And as sure as I'm a sinner
I was coming in a winner
When a lady hollered "MILK"
And I lost the race!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req/Add: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Feb 19 - 11:18 AM

I wants had a horse and I named him Napoleon
All on account of his bony parts
He was sired by Hambletonian
Known by everyone around these parts

His hide what’s the thing you could see right through it
His skin was a soft as silk
I hitched him up to an old milk wagon
When I wanted him to stop I’d holler MILK

I was downtown one fine Monday
Up came a man in a wagon so neat
He says to me you big fat blubber
I’ll have you a race right down the street

So I took off like Helter skelter
Wearing a grin all over my face
Sure as you’re a sinner I was coming in a winner
When a lady hollered milk and I lost the race

So I was laying around town the very next Sunday
Didn’t have a scent because I was dead broke
I fell asleep with my mouth wide open
And a dang ol rat went down my throat

So I got a big piece of cheese and put it right here (Indicate tongue)
Got an old tomcat covered with fleas
Up came the rat seen that cat
Down went the rat cat and whole darn cheese

Subject: RE: Lyr Req/Add: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 14 Feb 19 - 03:29 PM

An English Thoroughbred called Hambletonian was one of the best racehorses of the late 18th century, and wes later a good sire. In a famous match with Mr. Cookson's Diamond over the four mile Beacon Course at Newmarket on 25 March 1799, Hambletonian won by a neck. The owner, Sir Henry Vane-Tempest, had wagered 3,000 guineas on the outcome.

Afterwards, the horse was the subject of a painting, Hambletonian, Rubbing Down, by George Stubbs. The life size painting - quite possibly the greatest equine portrait - now hangs in a new gilt frame above the staircase landing at Mount Stewart House, Co Down, Northern Ireland. And, if I remember correctly, Hambletonian's tail hangs beside it.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req/Add: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Sep 19 - 04:27 AM

I had a mule and his name was Napoleon
All on account of his bony parts
I hitched him up to my milk wagon
And I hollered, “MIIIILK”
when I wanted him to stop

One fine day when I went a riding
Along came a man with a rig so neat
Said, “Hey, Yoo-hoo I’ll run you a race
Up and down the big main street.”

So off we started helter skelter
Wither of a tither I was comin’ in a winner
When somebody hollered, “MIIILK”
And I lo-ost the race Bum Bum

Subject: RE: Lyr Req/Add: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Sep 19 - 04:38 AM

I had a mule and his name was Napoleon
All on account of his bony parts
I hitched him up to my milk wagon
And I hollered, “MIIIILK”
when I wanted him to stop

One fine day when I went a riding
Along came a man with a rig so neat
Said, “Hey, Yoo-hoo I’ll run you a race
Up and down the big main street.”

So off we started helter skelter
Wither of a tither I was comin’ in a winner
When somebody hollered, “MIIILK”
And I lo-ost the race Bum Bum

Subject: RE: Lyr Req/Add: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Oct 19 - 01:22 PM

I once had a horse and his name was Napoleon.
All because of his boney parts.
Was so thin you could see right through him, drove him around on an old mill cart.

One day while I was out a-driving along came a fella in a rig so neat.
Said " Come on, you gosh danged Reuben, let's run a race right down the street"

Off they started helter-skelter, the old man kicking up dirt in my face. Sure as I'm a sinner I was coming out a winner, when a man yelled "MILK!. And I lost the race.

I sing this to my grands. All 6 of them.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req/Add: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST,Suzanne McBride
Date: 25 Nov 21 - 09:28 AM

This is curious indeed! I have never heard the versions of the song y'all are giving. The version I know has these two verses:

I have a horse I call Napoleon he's not fast and he's not smart. Once he made me lose my savings, now he can pull my apple cart.

I have a horse I call Napoleon we met a girl on the Avenue. He kept still when I said let's marry that's how I met my Waterloo.

I think there are other verses, but I can't remember them.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req/Add: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Dec 23 - 06:08 PM

I fondly remember this song from my summers as a counselor at Cloudmont Camp near Mentone Alabama on Lookout Mountain.
I seem to remember that it had more verses, but maybe we sang them more than once.
I remember the first line as, “I had a horse and his name was Napoleon, ‘cause his ears were a bone apart”

Subject: RE: Lyr Req/Add: Horse called Napoleon
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Mar 25 - 09:36 PM

I have looked and none of them are the same as the one my dad taught me but they are pretty close.

I once had a horse whose name was Napoleon, named on account of his bony parts,
Bought him from an old Bostonian,very well known in all these parts.
He was so thin you could see right through him. He had hair as fine as silk.
Hitched him to an old milk wagon. Taught him to stop when I hollered "Milk!"
Along came a dude in the finest livery, said that he would run me a race.
Sure as a sinner, I was comin' in the winner when the dude cried,"Milk!" and I lost that race!