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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


IN A-FISHIN' by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: W'EN DE SUN'S GONE DOWN, AN' DE
Last Line: CHORUS
Subject(s): FISH & FISHING; NIGHT; BEDTIME;

W'EN de sun's gone down, an' de moon is riz,
Bin a-fishin'! Bin a-fishin'!
It's I's aguine down wha' the by-o is!
Bin a-fishin' all night long!

CHORUS

Bin a-fishin'! Bin a-fishin'!
Bin a-fishin' clean fum de dusk of night
Twel away 'long on in de mornin' light.

Bait my hook, un I plunk her down!
Bin a-fishin'!
Un I lay dat catfish weigh five pound!
Bin a-fishin' all night long!

CHORUS

Folks tells me ut a sucker won't bite,
Bin a-fishin'! Bin a-fishin'!
Yit I lif' out fo' last Chuesday night,
Bin a-fishin' all night long!

CHORUS

Little fish nibble un de big fish come;
Bin a-fishin'! Bin a-fishin'!
"Go way, little fish! I want some!"
Bin a-fishin' all night long!

CHORUS

Sez de bullfrog, "D-runk!" sez de ole owl "Whoo!"
Bin a-fishin'! Bin a-fishin'!
'Spec, Mr. Nigger, dey's a-meanin' you,
Bin a-fishin' all night long!

CHORUS



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