Uncle Remus: His Songs and His Sayings/The Plough-hands Song

by Joel Chandler Harris

His Songs

IV. The Plough-hands Song

(Jasper County–1860.)

Nigger mighty happy w’en he layin’ by co’n—
                  Dat sun’s a slantin’;
Nigger mighty happy w’en he year de dinner-ho’n—
                  Dat sun’s a slantin’;
En he mo’ happy still w’en de night draws on—
                  Dat sun’s a slantin’;
Dat sun’s a slantin’ des ez sho’s you bo’n!
      En it’s rise up, Primus! fetch anudder yell:
      Dat ole dun cow’s des a shakin’ up ’er bell,
      En de frogs chunin’ up ’fo’ de jew done fell:
      Good-night, Mr. Killdee! I wish you mighty well!
                  —Mr. Killdee! I wish you mighty well!
                        —I wish you mighty well!

De co’n ’ll be ready ’g’inst dumplin’ day—
                  Dat sun’s a slantin’;
But nigger gotter watch, en stick, en stay—
                  Dat sun’s a slantin’;
Same ez de bee-martin watchin’ un de jay—
                  Dat sun’s a slantin’;
Dat sun’s a slantin’ en a slippin’ away!
      Den it’s rise up, Primus! en gin it turn strong;
      De cow’s gwine home wid der ding-dang-dong—
      Sling in anudder tetch er de ole-time song:
      Good-night, Mr. Whipperwill! don’t stay long!
                  —Mr. Whipperwill! don’t stay long!
                        —Don’t stay long!