OLD DAN TUCKER
Old Dan Tucker's Quirky Tale: A Frying Pan, Fire, and Town Swirl
Lyrics
Now Old Dan Tucker was a fried old man
Old Dan Tucker is an elderly man.
Washed his face in a frying pan
He washed his face in a frying pan, possibly reflecting a rustic or unconventional lifestyle.
Combed his hair with a wagon wheel
Combing his hair with a wagon wheel suggests a humorous and unconventional grooming habit.
Died with a tooth-ache in his heel
He died with a toothache in his heel, employing absurdity for comedic effect.
Get out of the way Old Dan Tucker
A call for Old Dan Tucker to move aside; there's an urgency or disruption in the situation.
You're too late to get your supper
He is late for supper, indicating a laid-back or carefree attitude towards punctuality.
supper's gone and dinner is a cookin
Supper is finished, and dinner is being prepared; a snapshot of daily life.
old dan tucker just standin there lookin
Old Dan Tucker is idly observing the situation without participating.
Now Old Dan Tucker he got drunk
Old Dan Tucker got intoxicated, possibly portraying a common theme in folk songs.
Fell in the fire and kicked up a chunk
He fell into the fire and caused a commotion.
A red-hot coal got in his shoe
A red-hot coal got into his shoe, leading to further chaos and humor.
Oh my lordy how the ashes flew
An exclamation of surprise or amazement at the flying ashes resulting from the incident.
Get out of the way Old Dan Tucker
A repetition of the call for Old Dan Tucker to move aside.
You're too late to get your supper
Reiteration that he is too late for supper.
supper's gone and dinner is a cookin
Supper is over, and dinner is in the process of being cooked.
old dan tucker just standin there lookin
Old Dan Tucker is still not participating actively and is merely observing.
Now Old Dan Tucker he's a comin' to town
Old Dan Tucker is coming to town, suggesting a change of setting or a new development in the narrative.
swingin his ladies round and round
He is engaged in a lively activity of swinging his ladies around, indicating a shift in tone from the previous incidents.
first to the left than to the right
Instructions for a dance or movement pattern, adding a playful element to the song.
Get out of the way Old Dan Tucker
Repetition of the call for Old Dan Tucker to move aside, maintaining the structure of the song.
You're too late to get your supper
Reiteration that he is too late for supper.
supper's gone and dinner is a cookin
Supper is done, and dinner is being prepared, echoing the daily routine mentioned earlier.
old dan tucker just standin there lookin
Old Dan Tucker is still in a passive stance, merely looking at the ongoing events.
Comment