This American square dance tune was first performed by Bob Farrell in the Bowery Theatre, New York on August 11th 1834. It quickly crossed America, sung by the Garelling Minstrel companies and became established as a firm favourite. It has had many titles and sets of lyrics. 'Turkey in the Straw' tells of a series of disasters which befall a wagon driver as he meets various characters, including a goat, a monkey, a catfish, a bulldog and toad. His solution to his problems is, however, quite straightforward: "Roll 'em up and twist 'em up a high tuck-a haw, and hit 'em up a tune called Turkey in the Straw!".
