Audio: ‘Polly Wolly Doodle’ performed by Leon Redbone

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Leon Redbone is the stage name of Dickran Gobalian (born in 1949), a Canadian singer, songwriter and guitarist specializing in interpretations of early 20th-century music, including jazz and blues standards and Tin Pan Alley classics.  His concerts blend performance, comedy and skilled instrumentals. Recurrent gags involve the influence of alcohol and claiming to have written works originating well before his time. He retired  from performing in 2015.

“Polly Wolly Doodle” is a song of unknown authorship first published in a Harvard student songbook in 1880.

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Lyrics

Oh I went down South for to see my Sal
Play polly wolly doodle all the day
My Sally is a spunky gal
Play polly wolly doodle all the day
Oh my Sal she is a maiden fair
Play polly wolly doodle all the day
With laughing eyes and curly hair
Play polly wolly doodle all the day
Fare thee well
Fare thee well
Fare thee well my fairy fey
For I’m going to Louisiana
For to see my Susyanna
Play polly wolly doodle all the day

Oh a grasshopper sittin’ on a railroad track
Play polly wolly doodle all the day
A picking his teeth with a carpet tack
Play polly wolly doodle all the day
Oh I went to bed but it wasn’t no use
Play polly wolly doodle all the day
My feet stretched out for a chicken roast
Play polly wolly doodle all the day
Fare thee well
Fare thee well
Fare thee well my fairy fey
For I’m going to Louisiana
For to see my Susyanna
Play polly wolly doodle all the day

He sneezed so hard with the whoopin’ cough
Play polly wolly doodle all the day
He sneezed his head an’ his tail
Right off
Play polly wolly doodle all the day
Fare thee well
Fare thee well
Fare thee well my fairy fey
For I’m going to Louisiana
For to see my Susyanna
Play polly wolly doodle all the day
For I’m going to Louisiana
For to see my Susyanna
Play polly wolly doodle all the day

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