Constant Farmer's Son- John Green (MI) 1938 Lomax
[From LOC recording AFC 1939/007: AFS 02285-A by Alan Lomax. Green was an Irish American.
Listen: https://www.loc.gov/item/afc1939007_afs02285a/
Partial transcription.
R. Matteson 2016]
Constant Farmer's Son- sung by John W. Green, (1871-1963) of Saint James, Beaver Island, MI, 1938.
It was a rich merchant's daughter in St. Limerick she did dwell,
She was proper, tall and handsome, and her parents loved her well.
She was admired by lords and squires but, it was all in vain,
For only one, a young farmer's son that Mary's heart did gain.
Long time he courted her, and fixed their wedding day,
Their parents all consented, but her brothers they did say,
"To one rich lord we have pledged our word, and him you cannot shun;
We will betray and then will slay your constant farmer's son."
A fair in the next town[1]; her brothers went straightway,
And asked young Willie's company with them to pass the day;
As the night came on, returning home, they said your race is run,
Then with a stake, the life did take of her constant farmer's son.
1. text after town unclear