There is much documentary evidence that this was a popular song amongst colored folk. The only black version I can find is a half-minute fragment by prison inmate Mose “Clear Rock” Platt, recorded by folklorists John and Alan Lomax for the Library of Congress. “Run, nigger, run” isn’t supposed to be a threat it’s a cheer. More precisely, a song sung by slaves.Īnd that, of course, gives a whole different meaning to the lyric. Now here’s the real surprise: “Run, Nigger, Run” was originally a black folk song. Click here to listen to a verse recited by a white woman in Tennessee, as documented by folklorist John Quincy Wolf. “Run, Nigger, Run” was already a part of Southern folklore. They were a popular and influential group that recorded this song (and more than 100 others) for Columbia Records!Īlso, they didn’t write it. Just so you know, the Skillet Lickers were NOT the house band for the Ku Klux Klan. Run nigger run, well you better get away. Run nigger run, the pateroller catch you, In case you couldn’t make out the words, he’s saying: Oh, I wish I could see your face right now. Now, ready for a version with lyrics? Click here for “Run, Nigger, Run” as recorded in 1927 by the Skillet Lickers (pictured).
You can click here and sample Fiddlin’ Eck Robertson’s rendition from the 1920s, streaming on my Vox audio stash. It has been recorded by famous fiddlers such as Eck Robertson and Earl Collins, and by banjo-pluckers like Uncle Dave Macon and Jim Smoak.īut those were instrumental versions. This tune – under the variant title “Run, Boy, Run” – is an old-time country music standard. Do not PM or invite moderators to chat in regards to moderator actions, questions on rules, or requests.I stumbled upon a classic American folk song earlier this year. Have any questions? Message the moderators or type /r/teenagers in the addressee box when composing a message to modmail us.
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#Run boy run they re trying to catch you lyrics full#
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