DON'T BITE THE HAND THAT'S FEEDING YOU
(Music: Jimmie Morgan / Lyrics: Thomas Hoier)


Eddie Morton - 1915
Irving Kaufman - 1915
Billy Murray - 1915
Walter Van Brunt - 1916
Judy Garland (Recorded for the film "For Me And My Gal") - 1942
Gene Autry - 1943

Also recorded by: Johnny Bond; Tiny Tim.




Last night, as I lay a-sleeping
A wonderful dream came to me
I saw Uncle Sammy weeping
For his children from over the sea

They had come to him, friendless and starving
When from tyrants' oppression they fled
But now they abuse and revile him
Till at last in just anger he said

If you don't like your Uncle Sammy
Then go back to your home o'er the sea
To the land from where you came, whatever be its name
But don't be ungrateful to me!

If you don't like the stars in Old Glory
If you don't like the Red, White and Blue
Then don't act like the cur in the story
Don't bite the hand that's feeding you!

You recall the day you landed
How I welcomed you to my shore
When you came here empty handed
And allegiance forever you swore

I gathered you close to my bosom
Of food and of clothes you got both
So, when in trouble, I need you
You will have to remember your oath

If you don't like your Uncle Sammy
Then go back to your home o'er the sea
To the land from where you came, whatever be its name
But don't be ungrateful to me!

If you don't like the stars in Old Glory
If you don't like the Red, White and Blue
Then don't act like the cur in the story
Don't bite the hand that's feeding you!


******


As recrded by GENE AUTRY:


If you don't like your Uncle Sammy
Then go back to your home o'er the sea
To the land from where you came, whatever be its name
But don't be ungrateful to me!

If you don't like the stars in Old Glory
If you don't like the Red, White and Blue
Then don't act like the cur in the story
Don't bite the hand that's feeding you!

Last night, as I lay a sleeping
A wonderful dream came to me
I saw Uncle Sammy weeping
For his children from over the sea

They had come to him, friendless and starving
And he took them into the fold
And now while in trouble he needs you
You have to remember your oath

If you don't like your Uncle Sammy
Then go back to your home o'er the sea
To the land from where you came, whatever be its name
But don't be ungrateful to me!

If you don't like the stars in Old Glory
If you don't like the Red, White and Blue
Then don't act like the cur in the story
Don't bite the hand that's feeding you!



(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - February 2009)


******