15C. The Green Willow Tree- Burgess (WV) 1927
I5C - THE GREEN WILLOW TREE
(The Golden Vanity, Child, No. 286)
Communicated by Mr. Carter R. Bishop, Manp Logan County, December, 1927. Obtained from George Martln and Ray Watts, who heard it sung by Mr. George Burgess, an old resident of Logan County.
1. There was a ship ln the North Atlantic,
Trying, "Oh, it's lonesome in the Lowlands Low."
There was a ship in the North Atlantic,
That went by the name of the Green Willow Tree,
Crying, "It's lonesome in the Lowands low."
2. It had not sailed more than three weeks
Until it was overtaken by the Turkish Sweveldroo.
3. Up steps the captain, saying, "What shall we do?
We shall be destroyed by the Turkish Sweveltror."
4. Then up steps the captain's boy, saying, "What will you give me
If I destroy the Turklsh Sweveltroo?"
5. "Oh, I'll give you gold or I'll give you fee,
And perhaps my oldest daughter your true love will be."
6. He fell upon his breast and away swam he,
Till he came to the Turkish Sneveltros.
7. He had a purpose tool that was fitted for the use,
He bored a hole and away ran the sleuth. (sluice?)
8. Oh, some were playing cards and some were playing check (chess).
The first thing they know they were in water to their neck.
9. Oh, he fell upon his breast and away swam he,
Till he came to the Green Willow Tree.
10. "Oh, captain, oh captain, oh, take me on board,
And show me that you'll be as good as your word."
11. "Oh, no sir, oh, no sir, l'll not take you on board,
And I'll not be as good as my word."
12. He fell upon his breast and down sank he
He sank till he came down by the Sweveltree.