Cat. #1492 (MFH #644) - As sung by Bill Baker, Saint Paul, Arkansas on October 27, 1973
VERSE 1
There was an ole man who had three sons
(Whistle) -- --- -- --
There was an ole man who had three sons
Says, sons my race is almost run
Sing, rye-o-riddle, sing ree
VERSE 2
Father, O Father, my name it is Heck
(Whistle) -- --- -- --
Father, O Father, my name it is Heck
Out'a th bushel I'll take a peck
Sing, rye-o-riddle, sing ree
VERSE 3
He called unto his second son
(Whistle) -- --- -- --
He called unto his second son
Out'a th bushel I'll take a peck
Sing, rye-o-riddle, sing ree
VERSE 4
He called unto his second son
(Whistle) -- --- -- --
He called unto his second son
Says, Son, my race is almost run
Sing, rye-o-riddle, sing ree
VERSE 5
Father, O Father, my name is Alf
(Whistle) -- --- -- --
Father, O Father, my name is Alf
An' out'a of a bushel I'll take a half
Sing, rye-o-riddle, sing ree
VERSE 6
He called unto his oldest son
(Whistle) -- --- -- --
He called unto his oldest son
Says, Son my race is almost run
Sing, rye-o-riddle, sing ree
VERSE 7
This mill to you I want'a make
(Whistle) -- --- -- --
This mill to you I want'a make
An' what's th toll you aim for t' take
Sing, rye-o-riddle, sing ree
VERSE 8
Father, O Father, my name it is Jack
(Whistle) -- --- -- --
Father, O Father, my name it is Jack
I steal all th corn an' swear t' th sacks
Sing, rye-o-riddle, sing ree
VERSE 9
This mill is yours, the ole woman cried
(Whistle) -- --- -- --
This mill is yours, the ole woman cried
The ole man backed his ears an' died
Sing, rye-o-riddle, sing ree
VERSE 10
This mill run an' done very well
(Whistle) -- --- -- --
This mill run an' done very well
The ole lady died an' she went to Heaven
Sing, rye-o-riddle, sing ree