“Johnny, Come-A-Long”

Description

"Oh Johnny, Johnny, John, come a-long, come a-long (2X)" Nonsensical verses, with Johnny playing with his gun and playing hide n' seek with the ladies. Long chorus begins: "Down by the sea where the watermelons grow, back to my home I shall not go."

Notes

Hugill called this a "runaway chorus," possibly referring to the fast pace of the tune and words, and says that it was a popular sea shore song in America. It is in fact, so quick and full of syllables that I think it would be difficult to sing while doing anything but sitting down. - SL

References

  1. Hugill, pp. 285-286, "Johnny Come-A-Long"
  2. BI, Hugi285

About

Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1961 (Hugill)
Keywords: shanty nonsense
Found in: Britain Germany US