The Sow Took the Measles

1. How do you think I begin in the world?
I got me a sow and sev’ral other things;
Sow or hog or some such thing
The sow took the measles and died in the spring

 2. What do you think that I made of her hide?
The very best saddle that you ever did ride;
Saddle or bridle or any such a thing,
The sow took the measles and died in the spring

3. What do you think that I made of her nose?
The very best thimble that ever sewed clothes;
Thimble or thread or any such thing,
The sow took the measles and died in the spring
 
4. What do you think I made of her tail?
The very best whup that ever sought sail;
Whup or whup-socket, any such thing
The sow took the measles and died in the spring

5. What do you think that I made of her feet?
The very best pickles that you ever did eat;
Pickles or glue or any such thing,
The sow took the measles and died in the spring

A Yankee “whopper” variation on the British song known as “The Red Herring Song” or “Jolly Herring”.  Found in Alan Lomax’s “Folksongs of North America”.