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THE HORSE AT FREEMAN’S DOOR (HARRISON TOWN) Sung by: Mr. and Mrs. Berry Sutterfield Recorded in Marshall, AR 8/1/63 Click here to listen to the original recording And listen to my song. I’ll tell you of some troubles, boys, Which happened unto me. I tried to rob some folks, And get away the laws, But I made time by traveling Through the swamps of Arkansas. I saw a horse a-standing hitched, Belonged to Sheriff White. I rushed on to mount that horse When I knew I’d have to fight. I give that sheriff one terrible blow, Which bore him to the walls, And I left that horse at Freeman’s door, Green County, Arkansas. I traveled o’er hills and mountains, Through valleys and slues. Oh, thin they were my clothing, And holey were my shoes. I popped the spurs to my horse, And I made him scratch and paw. He carried me like a devil Through the swamps of Arkansas. Oh, I were overtaken, boys, And captured at last. They were soon disarming me, And telling me to hush my jaw. They’d soon have me in Gainesville Jail, Green County, Arkansas. Oh, here I am, all shackled and chained, Bound down in county jail, No friends nor relation, No one to go my bail. To lie here till a term of court, And through a course of law, Be sent down to Little Rock, On the banks of the Arkansas. If I were only clear of this, And had the money, boys, I would buy that chestnut sorrel That stood me such a race, And tie a ribbon around his neck, And pull him on the cars. He’d ne’er be seen on Crowley’s Ridge, Green County, Arkansas. Oh, here goes for the finishing touch. I expect I’ve said enough. Drink luck to you, drink luck to me, As you step up to the bars, And wish me a short sentence, boys, In the prisons of Arkansas. (Dr. Wolf: “That's a good one. Where’d you learn that?” Mr. Sutterfield: “I learnt that from Ben McClung and Willie Myers, combined.” Dr. Wolf: “Where?” Mr. Sutterfield: “Back over there on Big Creek.”) Also found in Randolph, Vol. II, #162, “Harrison Town.” |
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All Songs Recorded by John Quincy Wolf, Jr., unless otherwise noted The John Quincy Wolf Folklore Collection Lyon College, Batesville, Arkansas Back to the Song Index Back to the Wolf Collection Homepage ©Copyright 2002 Lyon College |