Adapted by Red Yarn from the traditional “Mister Rabbit.” I first found this song in Dorothy Scarborough’s and Ola Lee Gulledge’s 'On the Trail of Negro Folk-songs' (1925) and have since enjoyed Pete Seeger’s version on 'Birds, Beasts, Bugs and Fishes (Little and Big)' (1955).
lyrics
Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Rabbit
Why your ears so long?
Yes oh yes they were put on wrong
Every little soul is gonna shine, shine, shine
Every little soul is gonna shine, shine, shine
Oh Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Rabbit
Why’s your coat so gray?
Yes oh yes it was made that way
Every little soul is gonna shine, shine, shine…
Oh Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Rabbit
What do you eat?
Carrots and cabbage from my head to my feet
Every little soul is gonna shine, shine, shine…
Oh Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Rabbit
Where have you been?
Out all night in your heavenly garden
Every little soul is gonna shine, shine, shine…
Oh Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Rabbit
Why your eyes so red?
Yes oh yes I’m almost dead
Every little soul is gonna shine, shine, shine…
credits
from The Deep Woods,
released October 15, 2013
Andy Furgeson/Red Yarn: vocals, guitars
Jessie Eller-Isaacs: vocals
Dustin Dybvig: drums, percussion
Will Trevor: fiddle
Perry Pfister: upright bass
Jon Tull: piano
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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