Mule Skinner Blues
by Jimmie Rodgers and George Vaughn
"His was a familiar
figure in and around 'the yards.' He was known to be the
son of section-foreman on the Mobile & Ohio Railroad:
Aaron W. Rodgers' boy—the grinning, hard-working blacks
who took Aaron Rodgers' orders made his small son laugh
often. Though small he was white. So, even when they
bade him 'bring that water 'round' they were
deferential. During the noon dinner-rests, they taught
him darky songs, moaning chants and crooning lullabies."
—Mrs. Carrie Rodgers
Mule Skinner Blues
Good morning, Captain
Good morning, Shine
Do you need another mule skinner
Out on your new mud line?
I like to work
I'm rolling all the time
I can carve my initials
On a mule's behind.
Hey, little water boy
Bring that water 'round
If you don't like the job
Set that water bucket down.
Workin' on the good road
A dollar and a half a day
My good gal's waitin' on a Saturday night
Just to draw my pay.
I'm goin' to town, honey
What you want me to bring me back?
Bring a pint of booze
And a John B. Stetson hat.
I smell your bread a-burnin'
Turn your damper down
If you ain't got a damper, good gal
Turn your bread around.
