I went down to Memphis, said I did not go to stay I saw so many pretty girls, that I could not get away I'm a child to fight, I'm a child to fight I'm a child to fight, my love, yes, I'm a child to fight If I had a scolding wife, I'd sure to whip her some Run my finger down her throat, gag her with my thumb I'm a child to fight, I'm a child to fight I'm a child to fight, my love, yes, I'm a child to fight Hosea Clark's the meanest man, that ever the good Lord made Run them niggers to the South, farming the niggers trade I'm a child to fight, I'm a child to fight I'm a child to fight, my love, yes, I'm a child to fight Old man, old man, your head's a-getting gray Come follow me ten thousand miles to hear my banjo play I'm a child to fight, I'm a child to fight I'm a child to fight, my love, yes, I'm a child to fight Mosquito fly mighty high, flew right by my door Hit my foot on that mosquito, said, "he won't fly high no more" I'm a child to fight, I'm a child to fight I'm a child to fight, my love, yes, I'm a child to fight I wish I had a big frame house, eighteen stories high Every story in that house was packed with cherry pie I'm a child to fight, I'm a child to fight I'm a child to fight, my love, yes, I'm a child to fight I went down to Old Joe's house, Old Joe he wasn't at home Eat all Old Joe's meat and bread and give his dog the bone I'm a child to fight, I'm a child to fight I'm a child to fight, my love, yes, I'm a child to fight