Folk Song for March 2023: Whoopie Ti Yi Yo, Git Along Little Dogies

In cowboy lingo, a dogie is an orphaned or runt calf. 

This is an old classic western song which has appeared in several old Western movies and TV shows, and has been recorded widely by cowboy singers, folk singers, and country singers. It's written in ¾ time (a waltz), which lends an air of clip-clopping along on horseback.

Roy Rogers sang this song in the film, West of the Badlands. These lyrics follow his version.

Whoopie Ti-Yi-Yo, Git Along Little Dogies

1. As I was a-walkin one morning for pleasure,

I spied a cow-puncher all riding alone;

His hat was throwed back and his spurs were a-jingling,

And as he approached he was singin' this song,

CHORUS

Whoopee ti yi yo, git along little dogies,

It's your misfortune, and none of my own.

Whoopee ti yi yo, git along little dogies,

For you know that Wyoming will be your new home.

2. It’s early in spring we round up the dogies,

We mark ‘em and brand ‘em and bob off their tails;

Round up the horses, load up the chuck-wagon,

Then throw the dogies out on the north trail.

[CHORUS]

3. Your mother was raised a-way down in Texas,

Where the jimson weed and sand-burrs grow;

We'll fill you up on prickly pear and cholla

Until you are ready for Idaho.

[CHORUS]

See my playlist for old recordings by Cisco Houston and a 1937 movie clip of Gene Autry singing this song in his cowboy movie of the same name.

Lynn's Youtube Playlist for AO Folk Songs 2022-2023

Our helpful intro post is sure to liven up your folk song adventures.

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