[36] “Black Mariah” is frequently encountered in Negro songs. It refers to the patrol wagon.
The songs that follow will illustrate further the Negro’s story of his prison life, his desire for freedom, his efforts to escape, his attitude toward the policeman, jailer and sheriff, and his humorous interpretation of various situations in which he finds himself. Vivid pictures they are.
If I Can Git to Georgia Line
If I can git to Georgia line,
If I can git to Georgia line,
Lawd, if I can git to Georgia line,
Georgia, murderer’s home.
Monday I was ’rested,
Tuesday I was fined,
Wednesday I laid in jail,