Lyr Req/Add: Horse called Napoleon

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”