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1871–1938

A PLANTATION BACCHANAL

James Weldon Johnson

W'en ole Mister Sun gits tiah'd a-hangin’ High up in de sky; W'en der ai n't no thunder and light'nin’ a-bangin’, An’ de crap's done all laid by;

W'en yo’ bones ai n't achin’ wid de rheumatics, Den yo’ ride de mule to town, Git a great big jug o’ de ole corn juice, An’ w'en you drink her down —

Jes lay away ole Trouble, An’ dry up all yo’ tears; Yo’ pleasure sho’ to double An’ you bound to lose yo’ keers.

Jes lay away ole Sorrer High upon de shelf; And never mind to-morrer, ‘ Twill take care of itself.

W'en ole Mister Age begins a-stealin’ Thoo yo’ back an’ knees, W'en yo’ bones an’ jints lose der limber feelin’, An’ am stiff'nin’ by degrees;

Now der's jes one way to feel young and spry, W'en you heah dem banjos soun’ Git a great big swig o’ de ole corn juice, An’ w'en you drink her down —

Jes lay away ole Trouble, An’ dry up all yo’ tears; Yo’ pleasure sho’ to double An’ you bound to lose yo’ keers.

Jes lay away ole Sorrer High upon de shelf; And never mind to-morrer, ‘ Twill take care of itself.

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A PLANTATION BACCHANAL · James Weldon Johnson · Poetry Cove