Charley Patton — Banty Rooster Blues lyrics

Lyrics

I’m gonna buy me a banty, put him at my backdoor
I’m gonna buy me a banty, put him at my backdoor
So when he see a stranger a-comin', he’ll flap his wings
and crow
What you want with a rooster, he won’t crow 'fore day?
What you want with a rooster, he won’t crow 'fore day?
What you want with a man, when he won’t do nothin' he say?
What you want with a hen won’t, cackle when she lays?
What you want with a hen won’t, cackle when she lays?
What you want with a woman, when she won’t do nothin' I say?
Ah, take my picture, hang it up in Jackson wall
Ah, take my picture, hang it up in Jackson wall
Anybody asks you «What about it», tell 'em «That's all I saw»
My hook’s in the water, and my cork’s on top
My hook’s in the water, and my cork’s on top
How can I lose, Lord, with the help I got
I know my dog anywhere I hear him bark
I know my dog anywhere I hear him bark
I can tell my rider, if I feel her in the dark