Don’t You Never Let My Rabbit Get Away/Keep My Skillet Good and Greasy (1959)

Lucius Smith plays the traditional African American folk song “Keep My Skillet Good and Greasy” (also known as “Don’t You Never Let My Rabbit Get Away”) on a 5-string banjo in his distinct percussive style for ethnomusicologist Alan Lomax with singing from Sid Hemphill. This recording took place on September 22nd, 1959 at Sid Hemphill’s home in Senatobia, Mississippi. Hemphill’s poor singing and general inability to recall the names of songs during this period may have been due to sickness or senility. He would pass away four years after this recording session in 1963.

[@TheBluesmanBlue]

American Roots music at its very very best something as Americans we need to turn back to thanks for posting and a very special thanks to John and Alex Lomax who traveled the world and bringing the best talent to America

[@adriaanboogaard8571]

My family is Dutch and we loved to raise and eat Rabbit's. Dad was Bourne in the old country 1919. This old song reminds me of of him . He's long since past. Thanks for the good music

[@christaylor2070]

There has been quite a lot written recently [by Rhiannon Giddens and Dom Flemmons primarily] about the African American influence in Old Timey and early Country music - here's a prime example.

[@williamharris2150]

Magical.

[@marksieber4626]

Here’s a title & song for us

[@mirnafredo1120]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@charlessupp2543]

😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@ukcrestednewts]

Any ideas what the lyrics are?

[@Ronaldo-rt7hl]

what do you mean?

[@ukcrestednewts]

@@Ronaldo-rt7hl I can't hear/understand all of the lyrics and I am trying to learn the song. I have found lyrics for "Keep My Skillet Good and Greasy" but haven't found any version that has the rabbit hunting lyrics. It seems like a different song.

[@bluesmusicandwhatnot2845]

@@ukcrestednewts Direct transcription from the recording:
…don’t know when
Keep my skillet greasy if I can
I got a rabbit in the log
Got no rabbit dog
Don’t let my rabbit get away
Get away
Get away
Don’t never let my rabbit get away
I done felt him, smelt him
Hand my hand on him
Never let my rabbit get away
Away
Get away
Don’t never let my rabbit get away
I got chickens in a sack
And the hounds on my track
Never let my rabbit get away
Get away
Get away
Don’t never let my rabbit get away
Well, never…
…track
Hounds on my track
Never let my rabbit get away
‘Way
Get away
Never let my rabbit get away
(Got a rabbit) in the log
Got no rabbit dog
Never let my rabbit get away
Get away
Get away
Never let my rabbit get away

[@panhandlingray]

Thanks for posting the record and lyrics. I've spent years looking for and listening to old recordings

[@xtc601x]

@@panhandlingrayfor the blues version , “pay day blues, by Mississippi John hurt”

[@nikolaremi5793]

да

[@nikolaremi5793]

фамтастично....