To Thread - Forum Home

The Mudcat Café TM
https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=57779
6 messages

Lyr Req: Don't Go Reaching across My Plate

15 Mar 03 - 06:52 AM (#910570)
Subject: Lyr Req: Don't Go Reachin' Across My Place
From: Bruce

Anyone have the lyrics to the song "Don't Go Reaching Across My Plate?" At least I think that's the title... or maybe just part of the chorus. If I remember it was recorded by Sandy Bradley and the Small Wonder String Band. Looked in DT but no luck.   Any help appreciated.


15 Mar 03 - 06:56 AM (#910571)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Go Reachin' Across My Place
From: Bruce

Sorry, subject line should read "Don't Go Reachin' Across My PLATE", not place.


15 Mar 03 - 04:42 PM (#910875)
Subject: Lyr Add: DON'T YOU GO REACHIN' ACROSS MY PLATE
From: delphinium

Is it the one from this web site, credited elsewhere to Albert Collins and also recorded by him:

DON'T YOU GO REACHIN' ACROSS MY PLATE
Word & Music © by Oscar Willis

Now there's just one thing that I just can't stand
And that is sittin' at the table with an ill-mannered man
When he's sittin' on your left before you slip in a bite
He will reach across your plate. Now, I know that's not right.
Now, I like to eat just as well as any man,
But there's some simple rules that even a fool could understand:
Like when you've had one helping, you'd like another piece of cake,
Don't you go reachin' across my plate!

CHORUS: Don't you go reachin' across my plate!
Don't you go reachin' across my plate!
Don't you go reachin'
Don't you go reachin' across my plate!

Now, at dinner last week at my sister Mary's,
Some guy reached across my plate and dipped his coat sleeve in my gravy.
Now, I didn't say a word. I looked him straight in the eye.
He reached across my plate and swiped a big chunk of pie.
Now, I don't care if you do it for a prank,
And I don't care if you need something to drink--
'Specially when I'm out and I'm with my date,
Don't you go reachin' across my plate! CHORUS

Now, at a party last night with all the folks,
You know everyone was there, and it was no joke.
They had barbecued 'possum with rattlesnake gravy,
Chicken fried skunk--you know it smelled real crazy.
Now, everything was fine but one thing had me blue:
Some guy reached across my plate for the armadillo stew.
Now, folks when you're out to dinner, I want you to act real nice.
Say, "Please pass the salsa." "May I please have the rice?"
But just because you happened to come in a little late,
Don't you go reachin' across my plate! CHORUS

Lineation changed a bit to emphasize the rhyme. --JoeClone, 18-Mar-03.


15 Mar 03 - 06:11 PM (#910934)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Go Reachin' Across My Place
From: Mudlark

Or, as they say in the Ozarks..."Don't shade mah food!"


15 Mar 03 - 09:31 PM (#911031)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Go Reachin' Across My Place
From: Bruce

Yep, that's it. Thanks, delphinium.


18 Mar 03 - 10:18 PM (#913090)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Go Reachin' Across My Plate
From: Jim Dixon

According to AMG, Albert Collins recorded "Don't Go Reaching Across My Plate" on his 1980 album, "Frostbite."

Oscar "T. V. Slim" Wills recorded "Don't Reach 'Cross My Plate" on his album "Flatfoot Sam."

Bob Reid & Friendz recorded "Don't You Go Reaching Across My Plate" on his album "Marz Barz" (a children's album). You can hear a sound sample on this page.