Johnny, Come-A-Long

DESCRIPTION: "Oh Johnny, Johnny, John, come a-long, come a-long (2X)" Nonsensical verses, with Johnny playing with his gun and playing hide n' seek with the ladies. Long chorus begins: "Down by the sea where the watermelons grow, back to my home I shall not go."
AUTHOR: unknown
EARLIEST DATE: 1961 (Hugill-ShantiesFromTheSevenSeas)
KEYWORDS: shanty nonsense
FOUND IN: Britain Germany US
REFERENCES (1 citation):
Hugill-ShantiesFromTheSevenSeas, pp. 285-286, "Johnny Come-A-Long"
NOTES [52 words]: Hugill-ShantiesFromTheSevenSeas called this a "runaway chorus," possibly referring to the fast pace of the tune and words, and says that it was a popular sea shore song in America. It is in fact, so quick and full of syllables that I think it would be difficult to sing while doing anything but sitting down. - SL
File: Hugi285

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