18. 'Twas Early in the Spring- Fortney (WV) 1914
[Known also as "My Boy Willie" and "The Young Sailor Boy," this English ballad appears to be the source of the Western song, The Trail To Mexico.
R. Matteson 2014]
18. 'TWAS EARLY IN THE SPRING
(Early in the Spring)
Communicated by Miss Frances Sanders, Morgantown, Monongalia County, June, 1914. Obtained from Miss Belle Fortnoy. Music noted by Miss Sanders.
1. 'Twas early, early in the spring,
I pressed aboard to serve my king;
I left my dearest dear behind,
Who had oft times told me her heart.
2. As I went sailing on the sea,
I wrote every opportunity;
I wrote letters to my dear,
But not one word could I over hear.[1]
3. At length I came to her father's hall
And for my dearest dear did call,
"She's married sir, she's suited for life,
She's married sir, she's a rich man's wife."
4. "Oh what is this that I do bear?"
"She's married sir, it doth appear,
"She's married, sir, she's suited for life,
Therefore, young man, seek another wife."
5. I stepped up and her hand did take,
And all my former vows did make;
"Since you I've proved false and I've proved true,
Forever dear, adieu, adieu."
6. "If you wrote letters to this town,
I never yet have received them
'Tis my father's fault, you will this find,
Oh blame not this poor heart of mine."
7. "There's a river running through this town,
In which my body shall be found;
It shall be laid under yonder tree,
Remember, love, that I died for thee."
Laws. See NC II 290.
1. This is unclear, perhaps: "But not one word did I hear," would be clearer.