GREEN CORN AND POTATOES

Oh I once was in love like a sinner,

And the girl she was hahn’ some and tall,

She said she would cook me a dinner

Of corn and potatoes and all.

In a pot she put ham and potatoes,

One chicken, and that not too small;

With gumbos and good red tomatoes,

And beans and some oysters and all.

On a rock by the river she cooked it,

When there came up a devil of a squall;

And into the water it hooked it,

With the corn and potatoes and all.

The ham and the beans and potatoes

All went in that devil of a squall,

With the chicken and big red tomatoes,

And carrots and oysters and all.

Then hurrah, boys! Hurrah for the Union!

And the banner which waves from the wall;

Likewise for the parsnip and onion,

Green corn and potatoes and all!

The gumbos, the greens, and the carrots —

Likewise for the monkeys and parrots,

And corn and potatoes and all!

Here John of Baltimore spoke out: said he —

“Mates, you must know I’ m goin’ to leave the sea;

I’ ve had a fortune left me, as I learn,

So now I guess I give the land a turn.

I am not one who a sea-life belittles,

But do confess I cannot stand the vittles:

You may correct me if you think I’ m wrong;

But first I’ ll give my sentiments in song:”