George Collins- Harvey (NC) 1928 REC
[Transcription by Stewie (Mudcat) from Roy Harvey & The North Carolina Ramblers 'George Collins' Br 250, recorded 16 February 1928 in Ashland, Kentucky. Reissued on CD on Roy Harvey 'Complete Recorded Works Vol 2 (1928-1929)' Document DOCD-8051 and also on Various Artists 'The Rose Grew Round the Briar: Early American Love Songs Vol 2' Yazoo 2031.
This version was covered by New Lost City Ramblers who recorded the song in 1960. Other bands, Like the New Deal String Band, have recorded these lyrics.
Charlie Poole, who recorded some sessions on banjo for Harvey, was not present at this session and the banjo was played by Bob Hoke.
R. Matteson 2011, 2015]
GEORGE COLLINS- sung by Roy Harvey & The North Carolina Ramblers 'George Collins' Br 250, recorded 16 February 1928 in Ashland, Kentucky.
Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-iQNIzEqKA
George Collins drove home one cold winter night
George Collins drove home so fine
George Collins drove home one cold winter night
Was taken sick and died
His little sweet Nell in yonders hall
Sat sewing her silk so fine
But when she heard that George was dead
She laid her silk aside
Set down the coffin, take off the lid
Lay back the linen so fine
And let me kiss his cold pale cheek
For I know he'll never kiss mine
"Oh daughter, oh daughter why do you weep
There's more young men than one."
"Oh mother, oh mother, George has my heart
His day on earth is done."
Look up and down that lonesome road
Hang down your head and cry
The best of friends is bound to part
And why not you and I.
Don't you see that lonesome dove
That's flying from pine to pine
He's mourning for his own true love
Just like I mourn for mine.