Georgie- Watson (NC) pre1970 Rinzler w/music
[From the book "Songs of Doc Watson" 1971, [Listen: Georgie- Doc Watson]. A live version on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJaKQXoAFiw
Doc learned this minor tune from his father-in-law, Gaither Carlton. He claims parts of the text came from (Cecil) Sharp's book but there is no version of Sharp's that closely resembles Doc's. His version is close to Vance Randolph's D version from Georgia Dunaway, Fayetteville, Arkansas, Jan 30, 1942 and we can assume he assembled the other verse from a local source.
The version collected by Max Hunter that sung by Charles Strayer Jr., Sarcoxie, Missouri on September 17, 1976 is a cover of Doc's version: http://maxhunter.missouristate.edu/songinformation.aspx?ID=1581
R. Matteson 2013, 2016]
Georgie- Doc Watson (NC) pre1970 Rinzler;
[Listen: Georgie- Doc Watson]
[Guitar intro]
As I walked over London bridge,
One misty morning early;
I heard some fair young maiden say,
Lord, spare me the life of Georgie.
"Go saddle me up my milk white steed
And bridle them so gaily,
Then I'll ride away to the king's high court,
And plead for the life of Georgie."
[guitar break]
She rode all day and she rode all night,
Till she was wet and weary;
Then combing back her long yellow hair
She plead for the life of Georgie.
She pulled out a purse all filled with gold,
Jus like you've never seen many;
And she said, "Young lawyers fee yourselves,
And plead for the life of Georgie."
Then Georgie road up and he plead for himself
He says, "I never murdered any
But I stole sixteen of the king's best steeds
And sold them in Romany."
Then the oldest lawyer at the bar
Says, "George I´m sorry for you,
But your own confession condemns you to die,
May the lord have mercy upon you."
[guitar break]
As Georgie was a-walking through the streets,
He bid farewell to many;
Then he bid farewell to his own true love,
Which grieved him worse than any.
If I was over on yonder hill,
Where kisses I've had a-plenty;
With my sword and my pistol by my side,
I'd fight for the life of Georgie.
Georgie was hanged with a golden cord,
Just like you've never seen many;
For he was a member of the royal race,
And loved by a virtuous lady.
[guitar outro]