1898 Sheet Music

TEXAS, WHERE THE MOCKIN' BIRD IS SINGIN'

("Dedicated to the People Down East") Music: Phil Epstein Lyrics: J.P. Brashear Copyright 1898. "Compliments General Passenger and Ticket Department, Texas and Pacific Railway."

 VERSE 1 Oh, you ought to come to Texas, Ef you only want to know, How the watermelon smiles up on the vine; Where the cottonfield is lookin' Like a mighty heap o' snow, An' the corn an' 'taters grow so big an' fine.  (Chorus)

VERSE 2 When the prairie is a-bloomin', And the leaves are puttin' out, And the people all are through a-plantin' corn; Then we get our fishin' tackle, And the way we catch the trout; Oh, you never see the like since you was born.  (Chorus)

VERSE 3 When the flowers are a-bloomin', An' the birds a-singin' sweet, An' the golden grain a-wavin' to and fro; An' the luscious big blackberries Gettin' ripe enough to eat, An' the melons on the vine begin to grow.  (Chorus)

VERSE 4 When the mockin' bird is singin', In the willow by the stream, An' the echo from the hillside o'er the way; Is a-floatin' on the zephyrs, Like a happy summer dream; Oh! a fellow never wants to go away!  (Chorus)

VERSE 5 Oh, ef you could see the cattle, Here, a-gazin' on the plain, An' could see the deer an' turkey in the wood; An' could see the crops a-growin' Just a-followin' a rain; You would leave the frozen region then for good.  (Chorus)

VERSE 6 Come, now, let us go a-fishin', An' a-huntin' once or twice, An' let's gt a taste o' Texas possum pie; An' that Texas watermelon-- Ef you only get a slice, Oh, you couldn't stay away ef you's to try.  (Chorus)

CHORUS Oh, when the spring is comin', Then you hear the bees a hummin', See the butterflies a flyin' roun' so gay; An' beside the crystal rill, You can hear the whipporwill; An' the mockin' bird is singin' of his lay.

-- Transcribed by Hal Smith