“Carve That Possum”

Description

Concerning a possum hunt and the pleasures of eating the animal. Recipes may be offered, as may details of the hunt. The listener is urged to "Carve that possum" and/or "Carve it to the heart."

Notes

Norm Cohen describes tune of this as "basically the spiritual 'Let My People Go.'" If he means the song I know by that title, I don't see the resemblance. - RBW

Cross references

• cf. "Sail Away, Ladies" (tune of the verse)

Recordings

• Harry C. Browne w. Peerless Quartet, "Carve Dat Possum" (Columbia A-2590, 1918; rec. 1917)
• Uncle Dave Macon and his Fruit Jar Drinkers, "Carve That Possum" (Vocalion 5151, 1927; on GoingDown)

References

1. Randolph 276, "The Possum Song" (3 short texts, 2 tunes)
2. Randolph/Cohen, pp. 237-238, "The Possum Song" (1 text, 1 tune -- Randolph's )
3. Roud #7780
4. BI, R276