"Little Brown Jug" History
"Little Brown Jug" Was written by Joseph Winner in 1869, and was originally intended as a drinking song. Although it was written in the mid-19th Century, it enjoyed new popularity during prohibition when people were sneaking illegal alcohol. Several big band versions were recorded, bringing the old folk song further into the mainstream.
"Little Brown Jug" Lyrics
Although the song is now popularly taught to children as an old American folk song, the original lyrics sing about alcoholism. The tune tells a story about a man and his wife who are very good-humored alcoholics. There are eight verses, separated by the chorus, which is generally the part of the song that most people know.
Ha, ha, ha, you and me,
Little brown jug, don't I love thee!
Ha, ha, ha, you and me,
Little brown jug, don't I love thee!
The verses are basically a love song to alcohol, talking about how this man and his wife will never give up the sauce as long as they live:
If all the folks in Adam's race
Were gathered together in one place,
I'd let them go without a tear
Before I'd part from you, my dear.
