19. Fair Caroline- Sanders (WV) 1924
[Cox collected an earlier version of this and published it in Folk Songs From the South. This English ballad was printed as a broadside in the earky 1800s (Harding B 11- 3065). It has appeared in many collections in the US and the British Isles.
R. Matteson 2014]
19 - FAIR CAROLINE
(Caroline of Edinburgh Town)
Communicated by Miss Frances Sanders, Morgantown, Monongalia County, June 1924. Music noted by her.
1. Come all young men and maidens and listen to my rhyme,
'Tis of a fair young lady, who was scarcely in her prime;
She beat the blushing roses, admired by all around,
She was the lovely Caroline of Edinborough Town.
2. Young William was a Highland man, a-courting to her came,
Which, when her father came to know, he did not like the man;
Young William got offended, and unto her did say,
"Rise up my fairest Caroline, and with me run away."
3. "We will go to London and there will wed with speed,
then young lovely Caroline shall have happiness indeed."
Enticed by young William she put on her wedding gown,
And away went young Caroline of Edinborough Town.
4. They had not been in London a fortnight and a fear,
Till hard hearted William he proved too severe,
Said William, "I will go to say your friends did on me frown,
Go beg your way without delay to Edinborough Town."
5. Many a day she passed away in sorrow and despair,
Her cheeks once like the roses, were like the lily fair;
Some strangers they would pity her and some would on her frown,
And some would say, "What made you stray from Edinborough Town?"
6. Along the briny ocean this maid set down to cry,
Watching of the gallant ships as they went passing by;
She gave three shrieks for William, and threw her body down,
And away floated Caroline of Edinborough Town.
7. Come all ye tender parents, ne'er try to part true love,
For if you do, in some degree their ruin you will prove,
Likewise young men and maidens, ne'er on your lover frown,
Think of the fate of Caroline of Edinborough Town.
Laws P27 . See NC II 558.