Old Joe Clark

Downloadable Printer Friendly Tabs

Level 1 Tab: Basic Bum-Ditty Tune

Level 1.5 Tab: Tab From Video Lesson

Level 2 Tab: With some drop thumb

Level 3 Tab: With added embellishments

Quick History Nugget

“Old Joe Clark” is one of the best-known Appalachian fiddle tunes, dating back to the late 19th century. It’s often played at square dances and jams, with countless floating verses that vary by region and performer. Its driving, modal melody makes it a favorite beginner tune for fiddle and banjo players alike.

Lyrics

(Traditional American fiddle tune, late 1800s, Appalachian origins)

Old Joe Clark, the preacher’s son,
Preached all over the plain,
The only text he ever knew
Was “high, low, Jack, and the game.”

Chorus
Fare thee well, Old Joe Clark,
Fare thee well I say,
Fare thee well, Old Joe Clark,
I’m bound to go away.

I wouldn’t marry an old maid,
I’ll tell you the reason why,
Her neck’s so long and stringy,
I’m afraid she’d never die.

(Chorus)

I went down to Old Joe’s house,
He invited me to supper,
Stubbed my toe on the table leg,
And stuck my nose in the butter.

(Chorus)

(There are over 90 known verses — singers mix and match; these are some of the most common ones.)