Take an Old Cold 'Tater (and Wait)

When I was a little boy
 Around the table at home
 I remember very well
 When company would come
 I would have to be right still
 Until the whole crowd ate
 My mama always said to me
 "Jim, take a tater and wait!"
 Now taters never did taste good
 With chicken on the plate
 But I had to eat 'em just the same
 That is why I look so bad
 And have these puny ways
 Because I always had to take
 An old cold tater and wait!
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 And then the preachers, they would come
 To stay awhile with us
 I would have to slip around
 And raise a little fuss
 In fear that I would spill the beans
 Or break a china plate
 My mama always said to me
 "Jim, take a tater and wait!"
 Now taters never did taste good
 With chicken on the plate
 But I had to eat 'em just the same
 That is why I look so bad
 And have these puny ways
 Because I always had to take
 An old cold tater and wait!
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 Well I thought that I'd starve to death
 Before my time would come
 All that chicken they would eat
 And just leave me the bone
 The feet and neck were all that's left
 Upon the china plate
 It makes you pretty darn weak
 To take an old cold tater and wait!
 Well, taters never did taste good
 With chicken on the plate
 But I had to eat 'em just the same
 That is why I look so bad
 And have these puny ways
 Because I always had to take
 An old cold tater and wait!