My Old Sod Shanty on the Claim


I'm looking rather seedy now

While holding down my claim

And the victuals are not always served the best

And the mice play slyly 'round me as I settle down to sleep

In my little old sod shanty on the claim. 

 

CHORUS:

Oh the hinges are of leather and the windows have no glass

And the board roof lets the howling blizzard in

And I hear the hungry coyote as he sneaks up through the grass

'Round my little old sod shanty on the claim

 

I rather like the novelty of living in this way

Though my bill of fare is always rather tame

I am happy as a clam on this land on Uncle Sam

In my little old sod shanty on the claim.

 

(Chorus)

Oh when I left my eastern home

A bachelor so gay

To try to win my way to wealth and fame

I little thought that Id come down to burning twisted hay

In my little old sod shanty on the claim.

 

(Chorus)

My clothes are plastered up with dough,

I'm looking like a fright

And everything is scattered round the room,

But I wouldn't give the freedom that I have out in this west

For the babble of an eastern western home!

 

(Chorus)

Yet I wish that some kind-hearted girl

Would pity on me take

And relieve me of the mess that I am in.

Oh!  the angel how Id bless her if this her home she'd make

In my little old sod shanty on the claim.

 

CHORUS:

And when we've made our fortune on the prairies of the west

Just as happy as two lovers we'd remain

We'll forget the care and trouble that we endured at first

In our little old sod shanty on the claim.

 

Author Unknown

Source: Cooperstown, North Dakota 1882-1982 Centennial page 143