442
I Could'n Live Bedout de Flowers
Of minstrel origin, this song was often rejjrinted on penny sheets
and in songsters of the mid-nineteenth century.
From the mother of Mrs. C. C". Thomas, whose address was not given;
undated ; descril)ed as "plantation song."
I I ccnild'n live bedout de flowers,
Ur dat sweet mapnolia tree.
1 could'n sleep where de inockiii' bird
Cuuld'n sing he song to nie.
2 I'd soon be nothin' but skin and bones,
Ef de docfish^ were my meat ;
I'd pine an' die on Boston beans,
'Caze possum is what we eat.
3 Brer Rabbit wink at de possum.
De possum drin at me ;
I shy a rock at the critter.
He cluni de hicknut tree.