Cripple Creek

Source

Most new banjo players start off with Cripple Creek.

A meandering or a crooked stream is referred to as a "cripple" creek. The most famous Cripple Creek is a town in Colorado. Gold was discovered there in 1891 and the mining town that sprang up was considered by some to be the source of the song.

Other musicologists think it must be a much older tune.




CRIPPLE CREEK


Verse: I gotta gal and she loves me,
She's as sweet as she can be,
She's got eyes of baby blue,
Make's my gun shoot straight and true.

Chorus: Goin’ up Cripple Creek, goin’ in a whirl,
Goin’ up Cripple Creek, to see my girl.  
Goin' up Cripple Creek goin' in a run
Goin' up Cripple Creek to have some fun.

Verse: My gal lives at the head of the creek,
I go up to see her ‘bout twice a week.
She’s got kisses sweet as any wine,
wraps herself ‘round me like a sweet pertater vine.

Repeat Chorus:

Verse: Cripple Creek's wide and Cripple Creek's deep,
I'll wade old Cripple Creek before I sleep
Roll my britches to my knees
I'll wade old Cripple Creek when I please.
Repeat Chorus: