Chicken Reel is a song about chickens. It was composed by Joseph M. Daly in 1910, and along with Turkey in the Straw, it is probably best known for its use in early animated cartoons as a catchy tune used to represent animal activity. Originally composed as a novelty song, it has since passed into modern folk tradition. Today, the tune is usually played without the words, which would often have been sung in the minstrel style (in stereotyped African-American vernacular). (Verse 1) - Way down in Carolina where the sweet potatoes grow
- there lives a dancin' maiden by the name of Liza Snow
- She used to go to parties where they always made her sing
- but SAY you ought to see that lady do the chicken wing
- They held a dancing contest and were going to give a prize
- They ALL had on their finest and it now was up to Lize
- Who was gonna win it everybody there could feel
- When Liza hollered to the band to play the Chicken Reel
- Clear the crowd away, tell the band to play
- when you hear me say go! my honey
(Chorus) - Oh, you chicken reel, how you make me feel
- play it really so entrancing who could really keep from dancing
- That's the music sweet, like the chicken meat
- Give to me with a dressin' I don't need no dancing lesson
- Put all the other fine selections right away
- that is the only tune I want to hear you play
- When I get married its the music I will play
- Hey boy, keep playing chicken reel all day
(Verse 2) - One night when from a party she was coming home with Bill
- He's a steady fellow and the night was dark and still
- I seems he had a chicken and when Liza heard of that
- She said I'm gonna wear it on my go-to-meeting hat
- I guess you must be crazy answered William with a smile
- but Liza said "go on you haven't heard the latest style"
- When first she wore it out the people asked her to explain
- but Liza simply answered "I've got chicken on the brain"
- Clear the crowd away, tell the band to play
- when you hear me say go! my honey
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