Henry, My Son- Lavey (Ohio/Winnipeg) pre1939 Eddy C
[From Eddy's Ballads and Songs from Ohio, 1939, version C. This version is unusual in that it's the sister who gives Henry the poison. It was learned from the singing of a Russian family in Winnipeg, Canada.
R. Matteson 2014]
Henry, My Son- William Lavey; Collected in Ohio; learned in Winnipeg from a Russian family. pre1939 Eddy C
1. "Where have you been, Henry, my son,
"Where have you been, my beloved one?"
"At sister's, at sister's, make my bed for the pain at my side,
For I want to lie down and die."
2. "What did she give you, Henry, my son,
What did she give you, my beloved one?"
"Poison to drink, poison to drink;
Make my bed for the pain at my side,
For I want to lie down and die."
3. "What will you give your father, Henry, my son,
What will you give your father, my beloved one?"
"Golden watches, golden, watches;
Make my bed for the pain at my side,
For I want to lie down and die."
4. "What will you give your mother, Henry, my son,
What will you give your mother, my beloved one?"
"Gold and silver, gold and silver;
Make my bed for the pain at my side,
For I want to lie down and die."
5 "What will you give your brother, Henry, my son,
What will you give your brother, my beloved one?"
"Heavenly kisses, heavenly kisses;
Make my bed for the pain at my side,
For I want to lie down and die."
6. "What will you give your sister, Henry, my son,
What will you give your sister, my beloved one?"
"Knives to kill her, ropes to hang her:
Make my bed for the pain at my side,
For I want to lie down and die."