Old Dan Tucker

As performed by Wayne Erbsen

The Home Front: 17 Authentic Tunes of the Civil War

Website: http://www.NativeGround.com/

Published in 1843 by Dan Emmett (the author of “Dixie”), who also claimed authorship, “Old Dan Tucker” may have evolved from a popular slaves song about a part-time minister who lived near Elberton, Georgia.  The song was popular around both Northern and Southern campfires.

Old Dan Tucker was a fine old man

He washed his face in a frying pan

He combed his hair with a wagon wheel

And died of a toothache in his heel

Get out the way old Dan Tucker

You’re too late to git your supper

Supper’s gone and dinner cookin’

Old Dan Tucker’s just a-standin’ there lookin’.

Old Dan Tucker’s a-comin’ to town

Riding a billy-goat and leading a hound

The hound dog barked and billy-goat jumped

Throwed Dan Tucker right straddlin’ a stump.

Get out the way old Dan Tucker

You’re too late to git your supper

Supper’s gone and dinner cookin’

Old Dan Tucker’s just a-standin’ there lookin’.

I come to town the other night

To hear a noise and see the fight

The watchman feet was a-running around

Crying “Old Dan Tucker’s come to Town.”

Get out the way old Dan Tucker

You’re too late to git your supper

Supper’s gone and dinner cookin’

Old Dan Tucker’s just a-standin’ there lookin’.

Get out the way old Dan Tucker

You’re too late to git your supper

Supper’s gone and dinner cookin’

Old Dan Tucker’s just a-standin’ there lookin’.

Note: There are numerous additional and/or alternate lyrics to Old Dan Tucker.

Daniel Tucker’s Grave in Elberton, GA

Like This "Ole Dan Tucker” Page