George Collins- J.E. Mainer (NC) 1969 REC
[From the recording: Rural Rhythm RRJEM 225; 1969 Volume 7 Whistlin' and Fiddlin' and. . .
This may be a reworking of Emry Arthur's version but there are differences.
R. Matteson 2015]
George Collins- J.E. Mainer; North Carolina, 1969.
George Collins drove home one cold winter night
George Collins drove home so fine.
George Collins drove home one cold winter night
But he taken sick and died.
Sweet Nel, sweet Nel in yonder place,
A-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 pale cold lips
For I know he'll never kiss mine.
"Dear daughter, dear daughter why do you weep
There's more young men than one?"
"Oh father, oh father George has my heart,
And his days on earth is done."
Look up look down that lonesome road
Hang down your head and cry,
The best of friends is bound to part
So why not you and I.