The Courting Cage- Judy Whitaker (MO) c. 1865 Randolph
[From Ozark Folksongs III, 1948, by Vance Randolph. Randolph, of course, knew of Sharp's versions titled "Courting Case" published in the 1932 edition of EFSSA. His version was first printed by Scarborough's "A Song Catcher" in 1938.
R. Matteson 2017]
"The Courting Cage" sung by Judy Whitaker of Anderson, Missouri on May 10, 1928. Learned about 1865 from her mother
Madam I have a courtin' cage
It stands in yonder town,
And my estate I'll give to you,
If it be ten thousand pounds,
If it be ten thousand pounds.
I know you have a courtin' cage
It stands in yonder town,
And your estate I do not want,
If it be ten thousand pounds,
If it be ten thousand pounds.
O madam, I've a very fine house
Just newly erectified,
And you shall have it at your command
Whenever you'll be my bride
Whenever you'll be my bride.
I know you have a very fine house
Likewise a fine yard,
But who would stay at home with me,
When you're out playing cards
When you're out playing cards.
Madam, I do not do that way,
I do not think it right.
If you'll consent to marry me
I'll stay home every night
I'll stay home every night.
Madam, I have a very fine horse,
He paces like the tide,
An' you may have him at your command,
Whenever you'll be my bride,
Whenever you'll be my bride.
I know you have a very fine horse,
He stands in yonder barn,
His master likes a glass of wine,
I fear the horse might learn,
I fear the horse might learn.
Madam, I have a very fine farm,
Full sixty acres wide,
An' you may have it at your command,
Whenever you'll be my bride,
Whenever you'll be my bride.
I know you have a very fine farm,
A pasture at the foot,
If you'll get me you'll turn me out,
I know a hog will root,
I know a hog will root.
Madam, I think you're a silly jade
Perhaps too hard to please;
When you git old an' chill with cold,
I swear I hope you'll freeze,
I swear I hope you'll freeze.
Your sassy wishes I disregard,
You caint do me no harm
When I git old an' chill with cold,
It won't be you that'll keep me warm,
It won't be you that'll keep me warm!