Well a-way down yonder on the Candy Creek
I whittled out a fiddle from my wagon seat.
I fiddled my fiddle and I rubbed my bow
Play a little tune wherever I go.
(chorus)
Sleepy-eyed John, you better your britches on
Sleepy-eyed John, better tie your shoe.
Sleepy-eyed John, you better get your britches on
And try to get to heaven 'fore the Devil gets to you.
Well, Sleepy-eyed John he stole a goose
The goose he flopped but he couldn't get loose.
Said John to the goose "If you don't be still,
We'll miss my supper down in Candyville."
(chorus)
Well Sleepy-eyed John he had a wooden leg.
The little leg was nothing but a little wooden peg.
One shoe off and one shoe on
He'll do the double shuffle 'til the cows come home.
(chorus)
Now I got twenty dollars for to build a fence
I took my money and I ain't worked since.
Sold my buggy and I sold my plow
I wouldn't take a dollar for my journey now.
(chorus)
Well over the hickory and down the pine
The raccoon laughed and the old hound whined.
John said "Sic 'em" and the raccoon left
They crossed Green River in a minute and a half.