Jamaican song and story Papyras Classics

← Jamaican song and story

Chapter 171

CXX. 4th Figure

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Goatridge have some set a gal
So-so shirt them can't wash.
Give me back me soap an' blue,
Give me back me soap an' blue,
Give me back me soap an' 'tarch,
So-so shirt them can't wash.

Goatridge is the name of a neighbouring hamlet. When a boy "gives out his shirts to wash" he also provides the girl with soap, blue and starch.

So-so means even. It also means only, as:—"I get so-so potato fe nyam," I only got potatoes to eat.

"Shirt" is pronounced almost "shut."