True Lovers Part- Mrs. Estes (AL) 1947 Arnold
[From Alabama Folksongs by Bryon Arnold, 1950. Reprinted as An Alabama Songbook, U. Alabama, Bk (2004), p 27 by
Arnold, Byron, and Halli, Robert W.(ed.). Halli's notes follow.
This is the "composed ballad" from early the 1800s in the US. A version was printed (not the original) in 1849.
R. Matteson 2016]
True Lovers Part (Laws G 21, The Silver Dagger) Although the opening lines and various literary touches of this American ballad suggest its composition for the broadside press, no such printed version of “The Silver Dagger” has ever been located.
True Lovers Part - Sung by Mrs. J.K. Estes of Fort Payne, AL on June 12, 1947.
1. Come in fair maids and pay attention
To these few words I'm about to write
They're just as true as ever mentioned
Concerning a fair and lovely bride.
2. I courted her to be my darling;
I loved her as I loved my life;
I often vowed and thought
I'd make her My lawful and my wedded wife.
3. But when my parents came to learn this,
They strove to part us night and day,
Saying, “Son, oh Son, oh Son, don't have her
For she's a poor girl, I've heard them say.”
4. Upon my bended knees I pleaded,
Saying “Oh, dear Father, duty me.
[text upcoming]