SONG INFORMATION

Origin: Traditional (Southeast, late 1800's)

This song was adapted from the tune "Haul the Wood-Pile Down" which came from the Harrigan-Braham musical "Pete" (1887)

The version we know today was released as "Hold That Wood-Pile Down" by Uncle Dave Macon and His Fruit-Jar Drinkers (1927)
Also released by Doc Watson featuring Merle Watson (1970)

LYRICS

Went to town the other night
(Hold the woodpile down)
Heard a little noise, sound like a fight
(Hold the woodpile down)
Police running, jumping all around
(Hold the woodpile down)
All the moonshiners come to town
(Hold the woodpile down)

And I was rambling, rambling
As long as the world goes round
The backyard shine on the Georgia line
Hold the woodpile down

Saw my love the other night
(Hold the woodpile down)
Everything’s wrong and nothing was right
(Hold the woodpile down)
Give a little kiss to make her happy
(Hold the woodpile down)
Make a little love, in walks her pappy
(Hold the woodpile down)

And I was rambling, rambling
As long as the world goes round
The backyard shine on the Georgia line
Hold the woodpile down

Storekeeper swallowed a nickel one day
(Hold the woodpile down)
Well it was crazy I would say
(Hold the woodpile down)
Folks ‘ll tell you what it’s about
(Hold the woodpile down)
Oh he’s a nickel in and a nickel out
(Hold the woodpile down)

And I was rambling, rambling
As long as the world goes round
The backyard shine on the Georgia line
Hold the woodpile down

Down the packing house, stole a ham
(Hold the woodpile down)
Oh folks don’t know how bad I am
(Hold the woodpile down)
Took it home and put it on a shelf
(Hold the woodpile down)
Oh I’m so bad I’m scared of myself
(Hold the woodpile down)

And I was rambling, rambling
As long as the world goes round
The backyard shine on the Georgia line
Hold the woodpile down

Love my wife and love my baby
(Hold the woodpile down)
Love my biscuits soaked in gravy
(Hold the woodpile down)
Love my dice and throw my passes
(Hold the woodpile down)
Love my flapjack soaked in ‘lasses
(Hold the woodpile down)

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