“The Hoboes Grand Convention”

Description

"If you give me your attention, A few facts I will mention Concerning a convention That was held last fall." The hoboes gather in Montreal, and have a quiet convention, "For every bum was loaded To the neck with alcohol."

Supplemental text

Hoboes Grand Convention, The
  Partial text(s)

          *** A ***

From Helen Hartness Flanders & George Brown, Vermont Folk-Songs
& Ballads, pp. 51-52. From John Stewart of Dorset, Vermont, but
learned in Maine. Collected 1930.

If you give me your attention
A few facts I will mention
Concerning a convention
That was held last fall.
The crooks, they were delighted
When they heard they were invited,
To the hoboes grand convention
That was held in Montreal.

(5 additional stanzas)

Notes

Unlike most hobo songs, this one is clearly unsympathetic to the hobos; it equates them directlly with bums and indirectly with thieves. - RBW

References

1. Flanders/Brown, pp. 51-52, "The Hoboes Grand Convention" (1 text, 1 tune)
2. DT, HOBOCONV*
3. ST FlBr051 (Partial)
4. Roud #5445
5. BI, FlBr051