Description
This well known song – attributed to Dan Emmet (and his Virginia Minstrels)
– has appeared with various lyrics, some less innocent than others:
(the original was racist, but that was, unfortunately, all part of the Emmet era).
It is now usually played in all innocence by people of all ages and races,
simply because the melody is so catchy.
This arrangement includes a section in the minor mode (with the 6th and 7th varying from major to minor in the guitar),
and a quirky section in 7 time in the dominant key.
There is also (as often happens in my works) a cheeky English cadence from time to time
Lyrics of the original:
Oh, I went down South for to see my Sal
Singing Polly Wolly Doodle all the day
My Sal she am a spunky gal
Singing Polly Wolly Doodle all the day
Fare thee well, fare thee well
Fare thee well my fairy fay
For I’m goin’ to Louisiana for to see my Susi-anna
Sing Polly Wolly Doodle all the day
Oh a grasshopper sitting on a railroad track
Singing Polly wolly doodle all the day
Just picking his teeth with a carpet tack
Singing Polly wolly doodle all the day
Fare thee well, fare thee well
Fare thee well my fairy fay
For I’m goin’ to Louisiana for to see my Susi-anna
Singing Polly Wolly Doodle all the day
Behind the barn, down on my knees
Singing Polly wolly doodle all the day
I thought I heard a chicken sneeze
Singing Polly wolly doodle all the day
Fare thee well, fare thee well,
Fare thee well my fairy fay
For I’m going to Lou’siana
For to see my Susyanna
Sing Polly wolly doodle all the day