Langston Hughes, 1943

I was setting on the hen-house steps
When the hen begin to crow.
Setting on the hen-house steps
When the hen begin to crow.
I ain’t gonna set on
Them hen-house steps no mo’!

I had a cat, I called him
Battling Tom McCann.
Had a big black cat, I called him
Battling Tom McCann.
Last night that cat riz up and
Started talking like a man.

I said to Baby,
Baby, what do you hear?
I said, Baby,
What on earth do you hear?
Baby said, I don’t hear nothin’
But your drunken snorin’, dear.

Ummmm-mmm-m-huh! I wish that
Domineck hen wouldn’t crow!
Oh-ooo-oo-o, Lawd! Nor that
Black cat talk no mo’!
But, woman, if you don’t like it,
Find someplace else to sleep and snore—
Cause I’m gonna drink my licker
Till they burn the licker store.