Barb'ra Allen- Petroske (AR) c.1942 Parler I
[Three fragmented stanzas from Ozark Collection (No. 9); Collected by Mary Shand. Transcribed by M. C. Parler Reel 423, Item 3.
R. Matteson 2015]
Note: (Three scattered, standard stanzas. Not transcribed.)
Barb'ra Allen- sung by Louise Petroske of Elkins, Ark. on September 30, 1963. Learned in early 40s.
Listen: http://digitalcollections.uark.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/OzarkFolkSong/id/2245/rec/9
Was in Scarl town, where I was born,
There was a fair maid dwellin',
Made ever so fair[1], it seemed to say,
Hard hearted Barb'ra Allen.
O Father, O Father, go dig my grave,
Go dig it long and narrow,
Sweet Ellen[2] died for pure true love
And I shall die of sorrow.
They buried him in the old church yard
And Barbara was buried nigh him,
On William's grave grew pretty red rose
And on Barb'ra's grave a briar.
1. this part of the first and the next stanza are confused
2. William not Ellen
Replica Jewelry Collections come in every style—classic, boho, minimalistic, or bold. Find your perfect match and redefine your style!