I am an old man both ragged and lame

voiceCollected by Max Hunter (H-13) For Mary C. Parler Transcribed by Frances Majors Sung by Mrs. Olive Coberley Weaubleau, Missouri October 7, 1958 Reel 257-58, Item 13 My Terrible Pain I am an old man both ragged and lame; From Hamilton County, Missouri, I came. I married a maid just forty and one; The very next day, my troubles begun. Chorus: Oh, what shall I do to be ride of my pain? I wish in my heart I was single again. I rather I would in my coffin been laid Before I had married that silly old maid. At breakfast, when we set down to dine, It's me with cold water and her with her wine. Mash up the dishes and brush up the room, Or I'll get my head beat mighty good with the broom. (Chorus) At supper when we set down to tea, Cold water is always given to me. If I speak a word out of my place, Whack, goes a knife or a fork at my face. (Chorus) She goes to meetings, to parties and balls; It's her in her silk and satins so tall, Me in my rags and her in her lace, Some other young fellow to walk in my place. (Chorus)Funding for digitization provided by the Arkansas Humanities Council and the Happy Hollow Foundation