Barbra Allen- Wright (WV) 1969 Bush
[From Folk Songs of Central West Virginia, I; 1969 by Michael Bush. This is a compilation, with most of the stanzas supplied by Wright. The common folk ending is unusual for Barbra Allen.
R. Matteson 2015]
Barbra Allen - sung by Mrs. Guy Wright of Gay, Jackson County, WV. Parts of this compilation are supplied from other sources.
1. In Scarlet town where I was born,
There was a fair maid dwellin'
Made every youth cry "Well away,"
And her name was Barbra Allen.
2. Was in the merry month of May,
When green buds all were swellin',
Young Jimmy came from another state,
To court fair Barbra Allen.
3. Was in the merry month of June,
When green buds they were bloomin',
Young Jimmy Grove [1] on his deathbed lay
For the love of Barbra Allen.
4. He sent his servant to her then
To the town where she was dwellin';
Sayin', "Come, O come to my master's side,
If your name be Barbra Allen."
5. slowly, slowly she got up,
And slowly she came nigh him;
The only words to him did say,
"Young man, I think you're dyin'."
6. "If you be on your death bed lie[2]
What's to me these tales you're tellin'?
How can I keep you from your death,
"Adieu," said Barbra Allen.
7. "Do you remember the other day,
Down in the tavern drinkin'?
You gave a toast to every girl in town
But slighted Barbra Allen."
8. "Yes, I remember the other day,
Down in the tavern drinkin'?
I gave a toast to every girl in town
But my love to Barbra Allen."
9. As she went walkin' o'er the field,
She saw his pale cor'se comin',
"Lie down, lie down this corpse," she said,
"That I might look upon him."
10. With mournful eyes, she looked down,
Her cheeks with salt tears flowin'
"Young Jimmy died for me today;
I'll die for him tomorrow."
11. "Go dig my grave large, wide and deep
put a marble at my head and feet,
And on my breast put a snow-white dove
That the world may know I died for love."
1. This name is supplied by Mrs. Alvin Reed
2. The "be" in this line could be omitted