Goober Peas
Southern soldiers had little to eat. One food they did have was Peanuts. In the south, peanuts are sometimes called pindars, goobers or goober peas. Maybe you've heard of the candy called "Goobers" which are chocolate covered peanuts.
By the way, did you know that peanuts aren't actually nuts? They are legumes like peas or beans and they grow underground!
Soldiers made up this funny song, Goober Peas, about eating them.
It is still sung frequently in the South today. It wasn't published until 1866, after the war.
Since the publisher didn't know who had actually written it he said that the lyricist was "A. Pindar" and the composer was "P. Nutt".
Goober Peas
Singer: Arthur Smith
1. Sittin' by the roadside on a summer day
Chattin' with my mess-mates, passin' time away
Layin' in the shadows underneath the trees
Goodness, how delicious, eating goober peas.
Peas, peas, peas, peas
Eatin' goober peas
Goodness, how delicious,
Eatin' goober peas.
2. When a horse-man passes, the soldiers have a rule
To cry out their loudest, "Mister, where's your mule!"
But another pleasure, enchantin-er than these
Is wearin' out your grinders, eating goober peas.
Peas, peas, peas, peas
Eatin' goober peas
Goodness, how delicious,
Eatin' goober peas.
3. Well, just before the battle, the General heard a row
He said, "The Yanks are coming, I hear their rifles now."
He turned around in wonder, and what d'ya think he sees?
The Georgia Militia, eatin' goober peas.
Peas, peas, peas, peas
Eatin' goober peas
Goodness, how delicious,
Eatin' goober peas.
4. I think my song has lasted almost long enough.
The subject's interestin', but the rhymes are gettin' tough.
I wish this war was over, and free from rags and fleas
We'd kiss our wives and sweethearts, and gooble goober peas.
Peas, peas, peas, peas
Eatin' goober peas
Goodness, how delicious,
Eatin' goober peas.
