Willie McGee McGaw- Niles (KY) c. 1900 Niles B
[From John Jacob Niles (April 28, 1892—March 1, 1980) learned this when he was a boy, so it's dated c. 1900. Niles notes follow.]
This piece of nonsense was sung in my family, for the purpose of creating humor, when I was a boy. Although the situation is not the most amusing, "Willie McGee McGaw" never failed to get a laugh. There were more than 5 verses, but after the 5th verse it was all foolishness and gibberish.
Willie McGee McGaw- Niles (KY) c. 1900 Niles B
1. There were three crows sat on a tree,
Caw, Caw, Caw,
There were three crows sat on a tree,
Willie McGee McGaw.
There were three crows sat on a tree,
And they was black as black could be,
Willie McGee, McGee McGaw
Willie McGee McGaw.
2. "I know where we find some food,"
Caw, caw, caw,
"I know where we find some food,"
Willie McGee McGaw.
"l know where we find solne food,
Yonder in the cool green wood."
Willie McGee McGee McGaw,
Willie McGee McGaw.
3. "Come and taste it, you can tell
It is cooked very well."
4. Mr. Crow to Miz Crow said:
"I will eat it, live or dead."
5. Horse and rider side by side,
It was morning when they died.