160
Parting Words
One of the many songs of lovers parting after a quarrel. Under
various titles they combine much the same elements, often the same
phrasing. With the song here given compare 'Annie Lee' of this
volume and 'Faded Flowers' and 'The Finished Letter' of BSM.
The chorus and stanza 2 of the present text are both to be found
in 'Faded Flowers' (BSM 216).
'Parting Words.' Contributed, with the tune, by L G. Greer of Boone,
Watauga county, probably about 1915.
1 When the parting words were spoken
And I told him he was free,
He might go with those who loved him ;
It would never trouble me.
Chorus:
I am free, oh, free again,
I am free, oh, free at last,
Tho sometimes I may be haunted
With the visions of the past.
2 I saw him with another
When the twilight sparkled dim,
And he had his arms around her ;
She was murmuring love to him.
3 You have told me you would never
Love no other one but me,
424 NORTH CAROLINA FOLKLORE
And I hope you will remember
You're forever dead to me.
4 I would not have a sweetheart
If I couldn't believe him true ;
And if there is any more flirting
It will all be done by you.
5 I have learned to love another,
And that you can plainly see ;
And if there is any more flirting
It will not be done by me.
6 Then he hung his head in sorrow
And he wiped his dark brown eye,
And I heard him gently murmuring
'Life is nothing more to me.'
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160
Parting Words
'Parting Words.' Sung by Dr. I. G. Greer. Recorded as ms score at Boone,
Watauga county, about 1915. The tune given serves for both stanza and chorus.
Scale: Heptachordal, plagal. Tonal Center: d. Structure: abed (2,2,2,2).