[Lyric] The Little Devils 1952 (Jean Ritchie)

There was an old man, and he lived near Hell
He had a little farm and upon it did dwell
Sing, Hi, a-rattle-ding-day

Oh, the Devil come to him one day at his plow
There's one in your family I have to have now
Sing, Hi, a-rattle-ding-day

Oh, it's neither your son nor your daughter I crave
It's your old scolding wife, and it's her I must have
Sing, Hi, a-rattle-ding-day

So he hobbest her up, all on his back
And like an bold peddler went a-packin' his pack
Sing, Hi, a-rattle-ding-day

As they drew near the high gates of Hell
Sang, Rake back the coals, boys, and we'll roast her well
Sing, Hi, a-rattle-ding-day

Oh, two little devils come rattlin' their chains
She hauled back her cudgel and knocked out their brains
Sing, Hi, a-rattle-ding-day
Two more little devils peeped over the wall
Said, Take her back Daddy, or she'll kill us all
Sing, Hi, a-rattle-ding-day

So he hobbest her up all his back
And like an bold peddler, went a-packin' her back
Sing, Hi, a-rattle-ding-day

Here's your old scoldin' wife, it's her I won't have
She hain't fit for Heaven, she shain't stay in Hell
Sing, Hi, a-rattle-ding-day

Oh, it's seven years goin', and seven a-comin' back
She called for the 'baccer she left in the crack
Sing, Hi, a-rattle-ding-day

Oh, the women they are so much better than men
When they go to Hell, they get sent back again
Sing, Hi, a-rattle-ding-day