Barbra Allen- McDowell (MO) c.1889 Randolph N
[From Ozark Folk Songs; Randolph, I, 1946, P. 137(N). Bronson 162. Randolph's notes include this curious comment, "There are several commercial records of this ballad, of which those by Al Craver (Columbia 15126-D) and Vernon Dalhart (Brunswick 117) are probably the best." It should be noted that Dalhart and Craver are the same person!! Craver is one of the many pseudonyms Dalhart used to record for different companies.
Randolph who frequently uses apostrophes for "the" (th')-- doesn't use one for Barbra or "the."
R. Matteson 2015]
"Barbra Allen" - Sung by Miss Louise McDowell, Reeds Spring, Mo., August 25, 1941. From her father, who learned it in Stone County, Mo., in the late 1880's.
1. In the early fair days of May,
When the green buds they were swelling
Sweet Willie on his deathbed lay
For the love of Barbra Allen.
2. Oh I was sent to the place
Where Barbra was dwelling,
Saying my master's sick and he wants you quick
If your name be Barbra Allen.
3. Oh slowly she rose up
And so slowly she went to him,
But all she said when she got there
Was young man, I think you're dying.
4. Oh yes, I'm sick, I'm very sick,
And death is in my dwelling,
And never better will I be
Until I get Barbra Allen.
5. . . . .
. . . .
Then no better you will be,
You'll never get Barbra Allen.
6. For don't you remember in yon little town,
Where in the tavern dwelling,
You drank your health to the ladies all around
And slighted Barbra Allen.
7. Yes, I remember in yon little town,
Where in my tavern dwelling,
I drank my health to the ladies all around
Yet I love Barbra Allen.
8. Slowly she rose up,
And slowly she went from him,
She hadn't gone but a mile or so
Till she heard the death bells ringing.
9. She looked to the east and she looked to the west,
She saw the pale corpse coming,
Oh lay down, lay down those pale corpse
And let me gaze upon him.
10. Oh mother dear, come fix my bed,
Come fix it long and narrow,
Sweet Willie died for me today,
I'll die for him tomorrow.
11. Sweet Willie was buried in the old church yard,
And Barbra beside him,
And around sweet Willie grew a rose,
And by Barbra grew a brier.
12. They grew in len'th and they grew in stren'th
Till they could grow no higher,
And then they tied in a love bow knot,
For the love of Barbra Allen.