“Mister Garfield”

Description

Song-story about the assassination of President Garfield. Garfield, shot, tells doctor he's badly wounded. He gives dying advice, and hopes to go to heaven. Sheriff arrests Charles Guiteau for the murder; he says "I'll hang on the 6th day of June."

Long description

Song-story describing the assassination of President James Garfield. Garfield's been shot; tells doctor he's badly wounded. Preacher asks where he'd like to spend eternity; Garfield says "Heaven." His wife asks if he should die, should she remarry? He tells her, "Don't you never let a chance go by." Sheriff arrests Charles Guiteau for the murder; he says "I'll hang on the 6th day of June." Mrs. Garfield brings her husband roses

Notes

Lunsford is usually thought to have written this, but Art Rosenbaum believes it originated in the Black community. - PJS

Historical references

  • July 2, 1881 - James A. Garfield is shot by Charles Guiteau, who thought Garfield owed him a patronage job. Garfield had been president for less than four months
  • Sept 19, 1881 - Death of Garfield
  • June 30, 1882 - Hanging of Charles Guiteau

Cross references

Recordings

  • Bascom Lamar Lunsford, "Mr. Garfield" (on BLLunsford02)
  • J. C. "Jake" Staggers, "Garfield" (on FolkVisions2)
  • Art Thieme, "Mister Garfield" (on Thieme04)

About

Author: Unknown, but much of the text may have been written by Anderson Williams
Earliest date: 1949 (recording, Bascom Lamar Lunsford)
Found in: US(SE)