443
I'd Rather Be Dead
From James E. Lyon, Jr., Trinity College student, December 5, 1919
(with music). As in VVIiite ANFS 340 (without music), with in-
formant's note: "Heard in High Point, N. C, 1916."
1 I rather be dead an' laid in de' dirt
Than to see my gal with her feelin's hiu't.
2 I rather be dead an' laid in de sand
Than to see my gal with another man.
3 I rather be dead an' laid in de ground
Than to see my gal in anoder weddin' gown.
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443
I'd Rather Be Dead
'I'd Rather Be Dead.' Sung by James E. Lyon, Jr., Trinity College, Durham,
December 5, 1919. Negro fragment. Last four measures are identical with
'Gran'ma Grunts.'
F-409
rath - er be dead an' laid in de dirt-
Than to see my galwith her feel - in's hurt.
Scale: Mode III, plagal. Tonal Center: g. Structure: aa^bc (2,2,2,2) =
ab (4,4).