Daniel H. Weiskotten wrote:

> In my researches I have come across several references to bone men (not
> skinny people) bone pickers (not as in coal mines, music or Indian
> burial)
> or bone cleaners (usually in association with rag picking, butchers,
> peddlers, or scavanging plains buffalo carcasses).  I have even heard the
> term "Bone Picker" to indicate one who had a terribly menial job.

Richard Thompson has used the concept in the song "Sam Jones":

>
> Me name is Sam Jones and it's bones me occupation
> Chuck your old hocks out for my consideration
> Thirty years a bone man, up and down the nation
> Sam Jones deliver them bones
>
> I've been among the shamrock and I've been among the thistle
> I like it all picked over, clean as a whistle
> No sign of meat on, no sign of gristle
> Sam Jones deliver them bones
>
> I've seen battlefields white with human ivory
> Noble dukes and princes stripped of flesh and finery
> When the crows have done their job, they say that's the time for me
> Sam Jones deliver them bones
>
> And I even dream of bones when I'm lying very ill
> Roomsfull of skeletons a-dancing the quadrille
> Rows and rows of skulls singing Blueberry Hill
> Sam Jones deliver them bones
>
> And if you're unburied, the likes of me will find you
> You're no good to worms, but you might become the finest glue
> We'll grind you up and spread you out as fertiliser, too
> Sam Jones deliver them bones
>
> And I've got a lorry, it's me own boneshaker
> Where's there old knuckle joints I'll be the undertaker
> I'll come calling 'round just like the butcher and the baker
> Sam Jones deliver them bones
>
> Me name is Sam Jones and it's bones me occupation
> Chuck your old hocks out for my consideration
> Thirty years a bone man, up and down the nation
> Sam Jones deliver them bones
> Oh, Sam Jones deliver them bones
> Sam Jones deliver them bones
>
> <cid:part1.06020504.06090703@netscape.com>
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