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.

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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.

[Chorus:]