Talley. Ten Little Negroes

From Negro Folk Rhymes by Thomas Talley.

This counting-down song is Roud 13152.

THE END OF TEN LITTLE NEGROES

Ten liddle Niggers, a-eatin', fat an' fine;
One choke hisse'f to death, an' dat lef' nine.

Nine liddle Niggers, dey sot up too late;
One sleep hisse'f to death, an' dat lef' eight.

Eight liddle Niggers want to go to Heaben;
One sing hisse'f to death, an' dat lef' seben.

Seben liddle Niggers, a-pickin' up sticks;
One wuk hisse'f to death, an' dat lef' six.

Six liddle Niggers went out fer to drive;
Mule run away wid one, an' dat lef' five.

Five liddle Niggers in a cold rain pour;
One coughed hisse'f to death, an' dat lef' four.

Four liddle Niggers, climb a' apple tree;
One fall down an' out, an' dat lef' three.

Three liddle Niggers a-wantin' sumpin new;
One, he quit de udders, an' dat lef' two.

Two liddle Niggers went out fer to run;
One fell down de bluff, an' dat lef' one.

One liddle Nigger, a-foolin' wid a gun;
Gun go off "bang!" an' dat lef' none.

(1887 toy gun)