“Bully in the Alley”

Description

Shanty. Refrain: "So help me bob, I'm bully in the alley, Way-ay bully in the alley. So help me bob, I'm bully in the alley, bully down in Shinbone Al." Verses involve courting, being rejected by, and/or leaving Sally.

Notes

Hugill says that "Shinbone Alley" is a place name often referred to in American Negro songs. - SL

References

  1. Hugill, pp. 522-523, "Bully in the Alley" (1 text, 1 tune) [AbEd, p. 382]
  2. Sharp-EFC, XXXV, pp. 40-41, "Bully in the Alley" (1 text, 1 tune)
  3. DT, BULLYALL*
  4. Roud #8287
  5. BI, Hug522

About

Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1914 (Sharp-EFC)
Found in: West Indies Britain