Song Search

I Wish I Was a Mole in the Ground

by Bascom Lamar Lunsford

on Classic Mountain Songs from Smithsonian Folkways (2002)

I wish I was a mole in the ground
Yes, I wish I was a mole in the ground
If I's a mole in the ground, I'd root that mountain down
And I wish I was a mole in the ground

Oh, Tempie wants a nine-dollar shawl
Yes, Tempie wants a nine-dollar shawl
When I come o'er the hill with a forty-dollar bill
'Tis, "Baby, where you been so long?"

I've been in the bend so long
Yes, I been in the bend so long
I've been in the bend with the rough and rowdy men
'Tis, "Baby, where you been so long?"

Oh, I don't like a railroad man
No, I don't like a railroad man
A railroad man, they'll kill you when he can
And drink up your blood like wine

Oh, I wish I was a lizard in the spring
Yes, I wish I was a lizard in the spring
If I's a lizard in the spring, I'd hear my darlin' sing
An' I wish I was a lizard in the spring

Oh, Tempie, let your hair roll down
Tempie let your hair roll down
Let your hair roll down and your bangs curl around
Oh, Tempie, let your hair roll down

I wish I was a mole in the ground
Yes, I wish I was a mole in the ground
If I's a mole in the ground, I'd root that mountain down
And I wish I was a mole in the ground