“Brother Ephus” cobbled or put-together by Hedy West, is derived from several minstrel and Negro folk songs and spirituals.
The first verse has been reported since 1909 (Mississippi), but parts are much older. Newman L. White, 1928, American Negro Folk Songs, p. cites fragments under the title: BRO...
Brethen n' sisters, one and all
Ain't ya gonna harken to the Giver's call?
The Giver's call on the Judgment Day
Poor Little Moses gone away
[Chorus]
Where ya goin', Moses?
None a' your business
Come here, Moses!
I ain't gun' do it
Brother Ephus got a coon and gone-oh
Gone-oh, gone-oh
Brother Ephus got a coon and gone-oh
And left me barkin' up a tree
Boil my coffee good and strong
Bake my ho'cakes good and done
Make up a feather bed, make it up right
Cuz old Brother Johns is comin' here tonight
[Chorus]
What kinda slippers does an angel wear?
Golden slippers to skeet[?] on air
They wear fine slippers and wear fine socks
And drop every nickel in the missionary box
[Chorus]
Some folks say a preacher won't steal
But I caught two in my watermelon field
A' Preachin' and prayin' and singin' all the time
Slippin' the watermelons off the vine
[Chorus]