Digital Tradition Mirror

Root Hog or Die 5

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Pennywhistle notation and Dulcimer tab for this song is also available

Root Hog or Die 5

Way out upon the Platte near Pike's peak we were told
There by a little digging we could get a pile of gold,
So we bundled up our clothing, resolved at least to try
And tempt old Madam Fortune, root hog or die.

So we traveled across the country, and we got upon the ground,
But cold weather was ahead, the first thing we found
We built our shanties on the ground, resolved in spring to try
To gather up the dust and slugs, root hog or die.

Speculation is the fashion even at this early stage,
And corner lots and big hotels appear to be the rage
The emigration's bound to come, and to greet them we will try,
Big pig, little pig, root hog, or die.

Let shouts resound, the cup pass  'round, we all came for gold
The politicians are all gas, the speculators sold.
The "scads" are all we want, and to get them we will try,
Big pig, little pig, 'root hog, or die.

Surveyors now are at their work, laying- off the towns,
And some will be of low degree, and some of high renown.
They don't care a jot nor tittle who do buy
The corner lots, or any lots, root hog, or die.

The doctors are among us, you can find them where you will,
They say their trade it is to cure, I say it is to kill;
They'll dose you and they'll physic you, until they make you sigh
And their powders and their lotions make you root hog, or die.

The next in turn comes lawyers, a precious set are they,
In the public dairy they drink the milk, their clients drink the whey.
A cunning set these fellows are, they'll sap you till you're dry,
And never leave you will they have to root hog, or die.

A Preacher now is all we want, to make us all do good
But at present, there's no lack of spiritual food.
The kind I refer to will make you laugh or cry,
And its real name is Taos, root hog, or die.

I have finished now my song, or if you please, my ditty
And that it was not shorter is about the only pity;
And now that I have had my say, don't say I've told a lie
For the subject I have touched is root hog or die.


RG
Oct00

Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!