On "Davy Barnum" - (2024)
The tune is found in Songs and Rhymes for the South by E. C. Perrow. The collections were released in volumes, over time. 270 texts was published in three parts in three different editions of the Journal of American Folk-Lore: Vol. 25- 1912; Vol. 26- 1913; and Vol. 28- 1916. One learns, "At the time Songs and Rhymes was published Dr. Perrow was a professor of English at The University of Louisville in Louisville, KY."
The rhyme in its entirety is: "The ole Davy Barnum said to young Davy Barnum, / 'Davy Barnum, Davy Barnum, Davy Barnum !' / En' the young Davy Barnum said to ole Davy Barnum, / 'Davy Barnum, Davy Barnum, Davy Barnum!' " The rhyme is meant to be repeated in nonsense fashion, for as long as wished. For the repeat of the pizzicato opening, a small rondo form is generated. The Lombard rhythm or Scotch snap reflecting the repetitions of the names is fully intended to be over-emphasized.
3 pages, circa 3' 00" - an MP3 demo is here:
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this score and parts.
On "Davy Barnum"