Crawdad Song
Harry Belafonte · Other Songs - Harry Belafonte
You get a line and I'll get a pole, oh babe
You get a line and I'll get a pole
An' I'll met you down by the crawdad hole
Oh well a yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah baby mine
A well you don't miss water' til the well runs dry
You don't miss the water 'til the well runs dry
Don't miss the water 'til the well runs dry
An' you don't miss your man 'til he says good bye
Oh well a yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah baby mine
So when you see me coming hoist your windows high
When you see me coming hoist your windows high
When you see me coming hoist your windows high
When you see me leavin' hang your head and cry
Oh well a yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah baby mine
Watcha gonna do when your chair gives out, my sweet thing
Watcha gonna do when your chair gives out, my babe
When you got no liquor, no chair, no shoes
Well you lay 'cross the bed with your head in the blues
Oh well a yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah baby mine
Oh well I dance all night with a bottle in my hand, oh baby
Dance all night with a bottle in my hand, oh babe
Dance all night with a bottle in my hand
I'm looking for a woman ain't got no man
Oh well a yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah baby mine
Wonder what Satan's grumbling 'bout, oh baby
Wonder whet Satan's grumbling 'bout, oh babe
Wonder what Satan's grumbling 'bout
Oh well he's chained down in hell and can't get out
Oh well a yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah baby mine
Wake up old man, you slept too late this mornin'
Wake up old man, you slept too late this evenin'
Wake up old man, you slept too late
The crawdad wagon done passed your gate
Oh well a yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah baby mine
You get a line and I'll get a pole, oh baby
You get a line and I'll get a pole, oh babe
You get a line and I'll get a pole
An' I'll meet you down by the crawdad hole
Oh well a yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah baby mine
Crawdad Song
Harry Belafonte's "Crawdad Song" stands as a vibrant example of his mastery in bringing Caribbean and folk traditions to global audiences. Known for popularizing calypso music in the United States, Belafonte crafted a sound that blended rhythmic storytelling with accessible melodies. This track reflects his signature style of celebrating cultural heritage through upbeat, danceable arrangements. While often associated with his broader catalog of island-inspired hits, the song showcases his ability to transform regional themes into enduring popular music. Belafonte's recordings from this era helped define the mid-20th-century folk revival, influencing countless performers who followed in his footsteps. His work remains a testament to the power of cross-cultural exchange in music, offering listeners an engaging glimpse into the rich tapestry of Caribbean life and folklore.