“Sandy Boy, De”
Description
Shanty, negro origin. Singer is going down a river when a shark eats his boat. He travels from place to place looking for more boats, but the shark keeps showing up. Other verses have rhymes about girls.
Long description
Shanty, negro origin. Singer is going down a river when a shark eats his boat. He travels from place to place looking for more boats, but the shark keeps showing up. Other verses have rhymes about girls. Typical verses would be: "When I went down to New Orleans to see de boatman row, I set myself down on a rock an' played the old banjo." "Then I went to Alo, to buy a little goat, The ole shark came behind us a swallowed down the boat." Chorus: "Do come along, my Sandy boy, Do come along, oh, do! What will Uncle Gabriel say? Oh, Sally, can't you too?"
References
- Hugill, p. 458-460, "De Sandy Boy" (2 texts, 2 tunes)
- BI, Hugi458