I'm looking rather seedy now
While holding down my claim
And the victuals are not always served the best
And the mice play slyly 'round me as I settle down to sleep
In my little old sod shanty on the claim.
CHORUS:
Oh the hinges are of leather and the windows have no glass
And the board roof lets the howling blizzard in
And I hear the hungry coyote as he sneaks up through the grass
'Round my little old sod shanty on the claim
I rather like the novelty of living in this way
Though my bill of fare is always rather tame
I am happy as a clam on this land on Uncle Sam
In my little old sod shanty on the claim.
(Chorus)
Oh when I left my eastern home
A bachelor so gay
To try to win my way to wealth and fame
I little thought that Id come down to burning twisted hay
In my little old sod shanty on the claim.
(Chorus)
My clothes are plastered up with dough,
I'm looking like a fright
And everything is scattered round the room,
But I wouldn't give the freedom that I have out in this west
For the babble of an eastern western home!
(Chorus)
Yet I wish that some kind-hearted girl
Would pity on me take
And relieve me of the mess that I am in.
Oh! the angel how Id bless her if this her home she'd make
In my little old sod shanty on the claim.
CHORUS:
And when we've made our fortune on the prairies of the west
Just as happy as two lovers we'd remain
We'll forget the care and trouble that we endured at first
In our little old sod shanty on the claim.
Author Unknown
Source: Cooperstown, North Dakota 1882-1982 Centennial page 143