Barbry Allen- Bell (AR) 1969 Max Hunter G
[From the Max Hunter Collection; Cat. #0833 (MFH #38) . I've made minor corrections in spelling and punctuation.
R. Matteson 2015]
Barbry Allen - As sung by Sara Jo Bell, Harrison, Arkansas on August 25, 1969
Listen: http://maxhunter.missouristate.edu/songinformation.aspx?ID=0833
VERSE 1
Twas in the merry month of May
When green buds all were swellin';
Sweet William on his death bed lay
For love of Barbry Allen.
VERSE 2
He sent his servant to the town
To the place where she was a dwellin';
Saying, "My master's sick and he sends for you
If your name be Barbry Allen."
VERSE 3
Slowly, slowly, she got up
And slowly she drew nigh him
And the only words to him did say,
"Young man I think you're dying."
VERSE 4
He turned his face unto the wall,
And death was in him wellin';
"Goodbye, goodbye, to my friends all
Be good to Barbry Allen."
VERSE 5
"Mother, O Mother go dig my grave
Make it both long and narrow
Sweet William, died for love of me
And I shall die tomorrow."