495
If I Die in Tennessee
This is generally found with "Arkansas" in place of "Tennessee."
In that form it 'is found in South Carolina (JAFL xliv 425,
Negroes). Alabama and Louisiana (ANFS 277), and Odum reports
it TJAFL XXIV 273) from the singing of Negroes without detinUe
location.
'If I Die in Tennessee." Communicated by Miss Lucille Massey of Dur-
ham with the notation: "I have heard 'If I Die in Arkansas' parodied
thus:"
1 If I die in Tennessee,
Oh, if I die in Tennessee,
If [I die in Tennessee.]
Des ship my body to my mammy-to-be.
2 If my mammy refuse me.
Ship it to my pa.
If my papa refuse me,
Ship it to my gal.
3 If my gal refuse me,
just let my body be
Where the worms and the buzzards
]\Iake a fuss over me.