the sow took the measles

boys and girls sometimes get the measles

but in this song even a sow

which is another name for a lady pig

took the measles too

how do you think i begin in the world?

i got me a sow and sev'ral other things;

the sow took the measles and she died in the spring

what do you think that i made of her hide?

the very best saddle that you ever did ride;

saddle or bridle or any such a thing

the sow took the measles and she died in the spring

what do you think that i made of her nose?

the very best thimble that ever sewed clothes;

thimble or thread or any such thing

the sow took the measles and she died in the spring

what do you think i made of her tail?

the very best whup that ever sought sail;

whup or whup-socket

any such thing

the sow took the measles and she died in the spring

what do you think that i made of her feet?

the very best pickles that you ever did eat;

pickles or glue or any such thing

the sow took the measles and she died in the spring