Query: "A high tuck a-haw" in "Turkey in the Straw"

[Sam Clements]

Considering that the song magically appears in newspaper references and
advertisements around 1899-1900, and is billed as a ragtime/cake walk/negro
song, you might look to Black English.  Just a possibility.

Sam Clements
----- Original Message -----
From: "Gerald Cohen" <gcohen at UMR.EDU>
To: <ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
Sent: Friday, June 11, 2004 5:45 PM
Subject: Query: "A high tuck a-haw" in "Turkey in the Straw"


> A colleague has asked me about the meaning of "A high tuck-a-haw" in
> the lyrics of the song "Turkey in the Straw."  Would anyone know?
> The relevant verse is:
>
>         Turkey in the straw,
>         Turkey in the straw,
>         Roll 'em up and twist 'em up
>         A high tuck a-haw
>         And hit 'em up a tune called
>         Turkey in the Straw.
>
> Also, what does "Roll 'em up and twist 'em up" refer to?
>
> Gerald Cohen
>