Adapted by Red Yarn from the traditional version. Another song from my childhood, this rendition references the versions in 'Rise Up Singing' (1988), Langston Hughes' 'Book of Negro Folklore' (1958), and Burl Ives' 'Song Book' (1953).
lyrics
Froggie went a-courtin and he did ride, a-huh, a-huh
Froggie went a-courtin and he did ride, a-huh, a-huh
Froggie went a-courtin and he did ride
A sword and pistol by his side, a-huh, a-huh, a-huh
Well he rode down to Miss Mousie's door, a-huh, a-huh
Where he had been many times been before, a-huh, a-huh
And he took Miss Mousie on his knee
And said, “Miss Mousie will you marry me?” A-huh, a-huh, a-huh
She said, “I'll have to ask my Uncle Rat, a-huh, a-huh
See what he will say to that, a-huh, a-huh
Without my Uncle Rat’s consent
I would not marry the president” A-huh, a-huh, a-huh
Well, Uncle Rat laughed and shook his fat sides, a-huh, a-huh
To think his niece would be a bride, a-huh, a-huh
Uncle Rat rode off to town
To buy his niece a wedding gown, a-huh, a-huh, a-huh
Where will the wedding supper be? A-huh, a-huh
Way down yonder in the hollow tree, a-huh, a-huh
What will the wedding supper be?
A fried mosquito and a roasted flea, a-huh, a-huh, a-huh
First to come in were two little ants, a-huh, a-huh
They were fixin around to have a dance, a-huh, a-huh
Next to come was a bumblebee
Bouncin a guitar upon his knee, a-huh, a-huh, a-huh
Next to come was Major Tick
He ate so much it made him sick
A-huh, a-huh, a-huh, a-huh
So they sent for Doctor Fly
Said, “Major Tick, you’re bound to die”
A-huh, a-huh, a-huh, a-huh
Next to come was Captain Flea
Says, “You ate my brother now you deal with me!”
Next to come was a little louse
He danced a breakdown round the house
Next to come was Colonel Wren
He danced a reel with the turkey hen
The owl did hoot, the birds they sang
And through the woods the music rang
Next to come was a big tomcat, a-huh, a-huh
He swallowed the frog and the mouse and the rat, a-huh, a-huh
Last to come was a big old snake
Chased the whole party into the lake, a-huh, a-huh, a-huh
Last verse, same as the first…
credits
from The Deep Woods,
released October 15, 2013
Andy Furgeson/Red Yarn: vocals, guitar, mandolin, organ, lap steel, bass, tambourine
Dustin Dybvig: drums
Peter Valois: electronic drums
Community Singers: vocals
Red Yarn is a Texas-born, Oregon-based family performer who weaves folksongs & puppetry into engaging shows for all ages. With his energetic performances and lush folk-rock recordings, Red Yarn reinvigorates American folklore for younger generations.
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