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classical English and Scottish tradition; but to this already rich technique, the Negro brought a genius for direct, introspective penetration into the emotions of his characters, and a wealth of melodic and thematic ideas of his own.
James Baker, whose prison nickname is Iron Head, knew four or five songs and ballads of British derivation. As he sang, he closed his eyes and sat stiff and straight in his chair in the posture of the traditional ballad singer; but his melodies, though basically British, had been decorated in a fashion that made them not only a very individual, but a most exquisite British song set.
1 Once I knowed old lady, Round Tennessee did dwell. She had a lovin' husband, But she loved other mens as well.
Chorus:
Love my darlin'-o, I love my darlin'-o,
2 "I'm goin' down to the doctor's shop Just as straight as I can go, See if I can't find sumpen 'roun' that place That'll run my husband blind."
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