As Befits a Man

I don't mind dying—
But I'd hate to die all alone! 
I want a dozen pretty women 
To holler, cry, and moan.

I don't mind dying
But I want my funeral to be fine: 
A row of long tall mamas 
Fainting, fanning, and crying.

I want a fish-tail hearse
And sixteen fish-tail cars,
A big brass band
And a whule truck load of flowers.

When they let me down,
Down into the clay,
I want the women to holler: 
Please don't take him away! 
     Ow-ooo-oo-o!
Don't take daddy away!