“Harness up Yo' Hosses”

Description

"Harness up yo' hosses, Hey, o hey! Harness up yo' hosses, We'll teach you how ter drive 'em, Hey, oh hey! We'll fight fur Uncle Sam."

Notes

Brown's text is too short for certainty, but it seems reasonable to assume that this refers to the American Civil War and the way "contrabands" (escaped or captured slaves) were treated: The Federals quickly began to use them as teamsters, and by the middle of the war was enlisting them as soldiers as well. - RBW

References

  1. BrownIII 373, "Harness up Yo' Hosses" (1 fragment)
  2. Roud #11748
  3. BI, Br3373

About

Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1914 (Brown)
Keywords: horse work fight Civilwar
Found in: US(SE)