Boys and girls sometimes get the measles
but in this song even a sow,
which is another name for a lady pig
took the measles too
How do you think I begin in the world?
I got me a sow and sev'ral other things;
The sow took the measles and she died in the spring
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 she died in the spring
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 she died in the spring
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 she died in the spring
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 she died in the spring
