Barbra Allen- Moore (AR) 1960 Parler K
[From Ozark Collection (No. 11); Collected by Deanna Moore. Transcribed by Doug Haynie Arkansas Folklore Class; Reel 382; Item 11.
R. Matteson 2015]
BARBRA ALLEN- Sung by Robert K. Moore of Benton, Arkansas on October 23, 1960. Learned from his mother.
Young man, young man, you're very low
And death is in your dwelling.
And none the better will I ever be
If I can't get Barbra Allen.
Oh yes, oh yes, you're very low
And death is in your dwelling
And none the better shall you ever be
Cause you can't get Barbara Allen.
He turned his pale face to the wall,
She turned her back upon him.
She had traveled no more than a mile and a half
When she heard the death bells ringing.
She whirled he body round and about
Till she saw the corpse a-coming.
Go bring him here, bring him to me
That I may look upon him.
Sweet William died for me today,
He died in love and sorrow.
Sweet William died for me today
I'll die for him tomorrow.
Sweet William was laid in a now made grave
And Barbara in another.
A rose sprang from William's grave
And a briar sprang from Barbara's.
They wound themselves around and about
Then twined themselves together.
To show to the world and the passers by
Two lovers died together.