The Jolly Banker

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In Woody Guthrie’s classic tale of post-Great Depression banking, the story of the “jolly” banker is cast. Traveling across the Midwest, the banker switches from a friendly… Read More

Nov. 29, 20131 viewer

The Jolly Banker Lyrics

[Verse 1]
My name is Tom Cranker and I'm a jolly banker
I'm a jolly banker, jolly banker am I
I safeguard the farmers and widows and orphans
Singin' I'm a jolly banker, jolly banker am I

[Verse 2]
When dust storms are sailing and crops they are failing
I'm a jolly banker, jolly banker am I
I check up your shortage and bring down your mortgage
Singin' I'm a jolly banker, jolly banker am I

[Verse 3]
When money you're needing and mouths you are feeding
I'm a jolly banker, jolly banker am I
I'll plaster your home with a furniture loan
Singin' I'm a jolly banker, jolly banker am I

[Verse 4]
If you show me you need it, I'll let you have credit
I'm a jolly banker, jolly banker am I
Just bring me back two for the one I lend you
Singin' I'm a jolly banker, jolly banker am I

[Verse 5]
When your car you're losin', and sadly you're cruisin'
I'm a jolly banker, jolly banker am I
I'll come and foreclose, get your car and your clothes
Singin' I'm a jolly banker, jolly banker am I

[Verse 6]
When the bugs get your cotton, the times they are rotten
I'm a jolly banker, jolly banker am I
I'll come down and help you, I'll rape you and scalp you
Singin' I'm a jolly banker, jolly banker am I

[Verse 7]
When the landlords abuse you or sadly misuse you
I'm a jolly banker, jolly banker am I
I'll send down the police chief to keep you from mischief
Singin' I'm a jolly banker, jolly banker am I

About

In Woody Guthrie’s classic tale of post-Great Depression banking, the story of the “jolly” banker is cast. Traveling across the Midwest, the banker switches from a friendly support for starving farmers to a penny pinching shark, ready to repossess at a moment’s notice. Guthrie’s typical sarcasm bleeds through.