When I was a little baby
I remember long ago
Daddy would sit all ebnin’
An’ play de ole banjo
Mammy den would call me ‘Honey’
Take me upon her knee
An’ foldin’ me to her bosom
Would sing dis song to me.”
As she began the chorus Barnes’ own voice stole in to join her, whereupon she improvised an alto and left him to carry the air.
“Doan ye cry, ma honey