Digital Tradition Mirror

Good Old Mountain Dew

(This score available as ABC, SongWright, PostScript, PNG, or PMW, or a MIDI file)
Pennywhistle notation and Dulcimer tab for this song is also available

Good Old Mountain Dew

On my first day in court I wish to report,
Now witness my story so true.
When the state closed its case a young man raised his face
And began all these facts to review.
   Yes, they call it that old Mountain Dew.
   Said those who refuse it are few.
   While I know I've done wrong, the temptation is strong
   When they call for that Old Mountain Dew.

The deacon drove by in his auto so they
Said his family was down with the flu.
Said he thought that I ought to just get him a quart
Of that good Old Mountain Dew.
     Yes, he called it that Old Mountain Dew,
     Said those who refuse it are few
     So I thought that I ought to just get him a quart
     Of that good Old Mountain Dew.
The doctor he phoned just to see me alone
One night about half a-past two.
Said he'd close up his mug if I'd fill up his jug
With good Old Mountain Dew.
     Yes, he called it that Old Mountain Dew,
     Said those who refuse it are few,
     So I closed up his mug when I filled up his jug
     With good Old Mountain Dew.

The conductor said with a nod of his head,
"My wife she never knew
That I take my fun when out on my run,
So bring me a quart or two
     Of that good Old Mountain Dew ",
     For those who refuse it are few
     But his wife said to me, you can bring me three
     Before his train is due.

My attorney began to turn the lid on the can.
I knew then my case was lost.
Said his honor to me,
I'll set you free if you will pay the cost
     For they call it that old Mountain Dew
     And those who refuse it are few.
     But you acted the man when you took that stand
     To swear what is so true.

Note: This is the version that Bascomb Lamar Lunceford (and Lulu
     Belle  and  Scotty) copyrighted in 1945 and  that  Lunceford
     wrote  in  1920. He claimed that  the  more-familiar  verses
     (such  as  the ones sung by Grandpa Jones) were  results  of
     folk-processing of his original; others have said that they
     preceded his verses. RG
RG

Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!