330. William Hall
'William Hall.' Sung by Horton Barker. From a previous recording by Dr.
W. A. Abrams; no place or date given. Also known as 'The Brisk Young
Farmer.' For other versions cf. FSSH 180-81, No. 48; Belden, Herrig's
Archiv cxx, 65 (Missouri); JAFL xxvi 355; also BSM 156-60; DD 84; 31
BSSM 153; TexasFS 79-80; FSS 528; FSF 350-2.
There was a brisk young farm - er, Who
cred - it
an
man. He court - ed
fair
hand-some la - dy, Who did dwell in Shel - by Town.
For melodic relationship cf. **DD 84; SharpK 11 239, No. 171.
Scale: Hexatonic (4), plagal. Tonal Center: d. Structure: mmin (2,2,4)
barform.
2 When her old parents came to know this
They grew angry and did say,
'We'll send him over and over the ocean
Where his face you'll see no more.'
3 He sailed and he sailed all over the ocean
'Till he came back to his old sea side;
Says, 'If Molly's alive and I can find her,
I'll make her my lawful bride.'
4 As he was a-walking, as he was a-talking.
As he was a-walking down the street,
Cold drops of rain fell just as it happened,
He and his true love did meet.
5 'How do you do, my pretty fine lady
Oh, do you think you could fancy me ?'
'Oh, no kind sir, I have a lover
Who is across the deep blue sea.'
6 'Oh, describe your own true lover,
Oh, describe him unto me.
Perhaps I've seen some ball run through him.
For I've just returned from sea.'
350
NORTH CAROLINA FOLKLORK
'Yes, I can describe my old true lover ;
He is handsome, neat, and tall.
He has black hair and he wore it curly,
Pretty fair blue eyes withal.'
'Oh, yes, I saw a sword run through him.
Oh, he's dead, I saw him fall.
He had black hair and he wore it curly,
And his name was William Hall.'
'Love is great and love is charming
When we have it in our view.
But now we are forever parted,
Oh, good Lord, what shall I do ?'
'Cheer up, cheer up, my pretty fine lady,
Cheer up, cheer up, for I am he.
And to convince you of this matter,
Here's the ring that you gave to me.'
They joined their lovely hands together,
Down to the church house they did go.
And were married to each other,
.... parents . . . know.