"Pick a Bale of Cotton" is a traditional work song from the pre-Civil War slave era. It was first recorded by Texas inmates James "Iron Head" Baker (1933) and Mose "Clear Rock" Platt (1939) and later popularized by Lead Belly (Huddie Ledbetter). The original lyrics are politically incorrect today. A bale of cotton weighs 500 pounds. Picking a "bale a day" would be a substantial accomplishment. The song was printed in John and Alan Lomax's American Ballads and Folk Songs (1934) and Best Loved American Folk Songs (1937). It was recorded by Lead Belly. Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee recorded it as a duo. Sonny Terry also recorded it with Woody Guthrie.