“Old Bell Cow”

Description

Humorous description of a cow that's difficult to milk: "Went down to the cornfield to pick a mess of beans, Along come the bell cow a-pecking at the greens." "Some of these days when I learn how, I'm gonna milk that old bell cow."

Notes

It has long been a custom to tie a bell around a cow's neck so she can be found easily. - PJS

Recordings

• Dixie Crackers, "The Old Bell Cow" (Paramount 3151, 1929; on CrowTold01)
• New Lost City Ramblers, "The Old Bell Cow" (on NLCR10) (NLCR16)

References

1. Cohen/Seeger/Wood, pp. 110-111, "Old Bell Cow" (1 text, 1 tune)
2. BI, CSW110