Banjo Clark lyrics

Old Joe Clark he made his mark when cotton was kingAnd late at night 'neath the shanty light you could hear that banjo ringIt would ring out for the master who was listening on the hillAnd it would ring out for the babies who were sleeping quiet and stillRound and round old Joe ClarkRound and round, I sayRound and round old Joe Clark until the break of dayWhen he came out of the belly of that ship of slavery he was holding to his banjo but it was not on his kneeAnd someone said, "Hey here's a strong one and he can entertainSo we'll let you keep your banjo, but Clark's gonna be your name"Round and round old Joe ClarkPlay it when I sayRound and round old Joe Clark or they'll carry you awayRound and roundHe learned to play the melodies of Cork and county ClaireHe even played for Lincoln once, outside the courthouse squareThen he went down to New Orleans, they call it DixielandBut everywhere that old Joe played, he was still a hired handRound and round