509
Nigger in the Woodpile
This proverbial phrase, known all over the country, perhaps got
its currency from Dan Eniniett's 'Old Dan Tucker,' said to have
been written as early as 1830 but first published in 1843 (S- Foster
Damon, Series of Old American Songs, No. 2>7)y the third stanza
of which begins :
Tucker in de wood pile — can't count 'lebben.
Put in a fedder bed — him gwine to hebben.
'Nigger in the Woodpile.' From Mrs. C. C. Thomas, who learned it
from her mother, Mrs. Woodward. Location and date not noted.
Nigger in the woodpile, couldn't count to seven.
Put him in a feather bed and he'll think he's got to heaven.