"Sleepy-Eyed John" lyrics - JOHNNY HORTON

Well a way down yonder on the Candy Creek
I whittled out a fiddle from a wagon seat.
I tuned 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, you better tie your shoe.
Sleepy-eyed John, you better get your britches on
Try to get to heaven 'fore the Devil gets to you.

Well, Sleepy-eyed John he stole a goose
The goose she clucked but she couldn't get loose.
Said John to the goose "If you don't be still,
Well miss our supper down in Candyville."

[Chorus]

Well Sleepy-eyed John he had a wooden leg.
The wooden leg was nothing but a little wooden peg.
With one shoe off and one shoe on
He'll do the double shuffle 'till 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 racoon left and the old hound whined.
John said "Sic 'em" and the racoon left
They crossed Green River in a minute and a half.

[Chorus]