Bed Window- John Pennington (AR) 1952 Parler E
[From Ozark Folksong Collection; Reel 146, Item 2. Collected by Carlisle, transcribed by Parler
R. Matteson 2016]
Who Is This at My Bed Window? sung by Mr. John Pennington of Fayetteville, Ark. on May 1, 1952
Oh, who is this at my bed window
So long before the break of day?
It[1] is I, it is I, your lone true lover,
So long before the break of day.
Oh Molly, Molly, go ask your father
If you my bride shall ever be,
And if he says "No," come back and tell me,
It'll be the last I will trouble thee.
I cannot go and ask my father,
He's lying on his bed of rest,
And in his hand he holds a dagger
To kill the one that I love best.
And in his hand he holds a dagger
To kill the one that I love best.
Oh Molly, Molly, go ask your mother
If you my bride shall ever be;
And if she says "No," come back and tell me,
Hit'll[1] be the last I will trouble thee.
I cannot go and ask my mother,
She's lying on her bed of rest,
And in her hand she holds a letter
That speaks so much of your disgrace[2].
And in her hand she holds a letter
That speaks so much of your disgrace.
Oh Molly, Molly, melancholy[3],
You've caused my tender heart to break.
Though I swam the last end of old Kentucky (sic)
I'll cross the ocean for your sake.
Now must I leave both father and mother,
And go along with you instead,
And nevermore be with no other
Nor nevermore amongst the gay?
And nevermore be with no other
Nor nevermore amongst the gay?
1. sings "hit" for "it" throughout.
2. see Scottish versions "I will Put my Ship"
3. several versions have this line- see Roberts (KY) also Parler B.