168
Dreary Weather
Randolph, who reports four texts from the Ozarks (OFS iv
234-6), points out the resemblance of various phrases in it to parts
of other songs. Cf. also BSM 490-2. The last stanza seems to
belong to 'The Boys Won't Do to Trust/ No. 207 in the present
volume.
432 NORTH CAROLINA FOLKLORE
'Dreary Weather.' Sent to Dr. Brown by W. Amos Abrams, apparently
in 1935 or 1936. After each stanza is written "repeat," which probably
means that the last two lines are repeated.
1 'Twas dark and dreary weather
And most inclined to rain ;
The clouds all float to the center ;
My lover's gone on the train.
2 How could he ever forget me?
And far, far away,
As if he had never met me
Upon that happy golden day.
3 Some say that gold and silver
Will melt away like snow.
When poverty overtakes him,
Then he'll think of me, I know.
4 But now I have another
To love me just as well.
And he'll regret the moment
He ever said farewell.
5 I don't see why I love him.
I know he doesn't care for me.
But my thoughts are always of him
Wherever he may be.
6 Had I the wings of an angel.
Or even the wings of a dove,
I'd roam this wide world over
And rest in the arms of my love.
7 But I must cease my singing
And bid you all adieu.
Beware of boys, dear girls.
For they'll go back on you.