Barbara Ellen- (TN) 1936 Crabtree C
[No date or informant named. From Songs & Ballads Sung in Overton County, Tennessee: A Collection- Crabtree 1936. This fragment is one of three versions collected by Crabtree.
R. Matteson 2015]
C. BARBARA ELLEN
In Scarlet town where I was born
There was a fair maid dwelling,
Made every youth cry, "Well amay,"
Her name was Barbara Ellen.[1]
All in the merry month of May
Green buds were a-swelling,
Sweet William on his death bed lay,
For love of Barbara Ellen.
And death was painted on his face,
And on his heart was stealin'
Then haste away. . .
1. has "Allen"