Jody Lee done fell in love;
She planned to marry Joe.
She was so happy 'bout it all
She told her Pappy so

Pappy told her, "Jodie gal,
You'll have to find another.
I'd just as soon yo' Ma don't know,
But Joe is yo' half brother"

So Jody put aside her Joe
And planned to marry Will.
But after telling Pappy this,
He said, "There's trouble still...

You can't marry Will, my gal.,
And please don't tell your Mother,
But Will and Joe and several mo'
I know is yo' half brother"

But Mama knew and said, "My child,
Just do what makes you happy.
Marry Will or marry Joe
You ain't no kin to Pappy.