Beneath the Gallows Tree- Wilburn (AR) 1958 Parler C
[From Ozark Folk Songs online. Collected by Mary C. Parler by In Folklore Class; Reel 362, Item 13. Her notes follow.
R. Matteson 2015]
"This song was given to me by Judy Green, who said that her mother was taught it by her mother when she was a small girl in southern Illinois."
Beneath the Gallows Tree - Sung by Jo Wilburn; May, 1958.
Oh, hangman, hangman, spare thy rope,
For a little while,
I think I see my mother a-coming,
Coming a many a mile.
O Mother, Mother, have you gold,
Gold to set me free,
Or are you come to see me hung
Beneath the gallows tree?
O son, O son, I have no gold,
No gold to set you free,
But I am come to see you hung
Beneath the gallows tree.
(These three stanzas are repeated with father, brother, and sweetheart. The sweetheart's answer is the last stanza:)
O sweetheart, sweet heart, I have gold,
0 gold to set you free,
And I'm not come to see you hung
Beneath the gallows tree.
Replica Jewelry Collections come in every style—classic, boho, minimalistic, or bold. Find your perfect match and redefine your style!