165
The Ripest Apple
The title line of this occurs in a song of the general character
of 'Waly waly, but love is bonny' reported from Maine (JFSS 1
45) ; otherwise it has not been traced.
'The Ripest Apple.' Reported by I. G. Greer, Boone, Watauga county,
probably in 191 5.
1 The ripest apple the soonest rotten.
The purest love the soonest cold.
A young man's words are soon forgotten ;
Oh, my love, don't be so bold.
2 Let my name be kindly spoken
When I'm far away from you ;
And, although the vows be broken,
I will fondly speak of you.
3 In the past we loved each other,
Loved each other fond and true,
And I know that I shall never
Love another as I loved you,
4 Though I wander on forever
Seeking lands beyond the sea.
Well I know that I shall never,
Never find the like of thee.
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165
The Ripest Apple
'The Ripest Apple.' Sung by Dr. I. G. Greer. Recorded as ms score at Boone.
Watauga county, probably in 1915. The variations from the printed text art
from the ms score.
Scale: Mode III. Tonal Center: c. Structure: abed (2,2,2,2).