“Festive Lumber-jack”

Description

"I've been around the world a bit, an' seen beasts great an' small... He leaves the woods with his bristles raised... He's known by men of science as the festive lumberjack." The lumberjack's exploits end when his drink money runs out

Supplemental text

Festive Lumber-jack
  Partial text(s)

          *** A ***

From Franz Rickaby, Ballads and Songs of the Shanty-Boy
(1926), #23, pp. 95-98. From Ed Springstad, Bemidji,
Minnesota.

I've been around the world a bit, an' seen beasts both great an' small.
The one I mean to tell about for darin' beats 'em all.
He leaves the woods with his bristles raised the full length of his back.
He's known by men of science as the festive lumberjack.

      Chorus
He's a wild rip-snortin' devil ever' time he comes to town.
He's a porky, he's a moose-cat, too busy to set down.
But when his silver's registered and his drinks is comin' few,
He's then as tame as other jacks that's met their Waterloo.

(5 additional stanzas)

Notes

According to Rickaby's informant, Ed Springstad, this song was composed in Crystal, North Dakota around 1900. From the sound of it, most of the real work of composition was by "Bill." Rickaby also says the song was well-known in Minnesota. I know of no supporting evidence. - RBW

References

1. Rickaby 23, "The Festive Lumber-jack" (1 text, 1 tune)
2. ST Rick095 (Partial)
3. BI, Rick095