[14] For a discussion of this subject, see Lomax, “Self-pity in Negro Folk Song,” Nation, vol. 105, pp. 141-45.
[15] Illustrations are taken from The Negro and His Songs unless otherwise indicated.
Bad luck in de family, sho’ God, fell on me,
Good ol’ boy, jus’ ain’t treated right.
Poor ol’ boy, long ways from home,
I’m out in dis wide worl’ alone.
Out in dis wide worl’ to roam,
Ain’t got no place to call my home.
Now my mama’s dead and my sweet ol’ popper too,
An’ I ain’t got no one fer to carry my troubles to.