192
The Burglar Man
This piece of music-hall humor has heen reported as traditional
song, of a sort, in Mississippi (FSM 249-50), and the Archive of
American Folk Song has a recording of it made in Kentucky.
Otherwise I have not found it reported as folk song.
'The Burglar Man.' From the John Burch Biaylock Collection.
1 I'll tell you a story of a burglar man
Who toddled to a robber's house.
He peeped in the window and in he crept.
Just as quiet as a mouse.
2 He was thinking of some money to get.
While under the bed he lay ;
Burglar saw a sight that night
That made his hair turn grey.
3 About nine o'clock an old maid came m.
'I'm so tired,' she said.
Glad to see her home was well.
She forgot to look under the bed.
4 She took out her teeth and a big glass eye.
The hair ofT of her head ;
The burglar man had nineteen fits
As he came from under the bed.
5 From under the bed this burglar came ;
He was a total wreck.
The old maid didn't holler at all
But she grabbed him round the neck.
6 She drew out a revolver.
Unto the burglar said.
'Young man, you had better marry me.
Or I'll blow oflf the top of your head.'
7 She held him by the arm so tight
He had no chance to scoot ;
He looked up to the old maid :
'Woman, for the Lord's sake shoot!'
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192
The Burglar Man
'The Burglar Man.' Sung by H. J. Beaker. Recorded probably at Boone,
Watauga county, August 1939, I940. or 1941.
Scale: Hexatonic (6), plagal. Tonal Center: f. Structure: abed (2,2,2,2).