Henry, My Son- Mrs Holden (Worc) 1968 Hamer
[From: Garner's Gay, EFDS Publications, 1968. This is the modern version.
R. Matteson 2018]
Henry, My Son- sung by Mrs Holden, Worcestershire before 1968. Collected by Fred Hamer.
Where have you been all the day, Henry my son?
Where have you been all the day, my beloved one?
In the fields, dear mother, in the fields, dear mother,
Make my bed for I'm afraid in my heart,
And I want to lie down.
Where did you see your father, Henry, my son,
Where did you see your father, my beloved one?
In the fields, dear mother, in the fields, dear mother,
Make my bed for I'm afraid in my heart,
And I want to lie down.
What did your father give you, Henry, my son?
What did your father give you, my beloved one?
Water, dear mother, water, dear mother,
Make my bed for I'm afraid in my heart,
And I want to lie down.
What shall I give your father, Henry, my son?
What shall I give your father, my beloved one?
A rope to hang him, a rope to hang him,
Make my bed for I'm afraid in my heart,
And I want to lie down.
Where shall I make your bed, Henry, my son?
Where shall I make your bed, my beloved one?
In the churchyard, dear mother, in the churchyard, dear mother,
Make my bed for I'm afraid in my heart,
And I want to lie down.
How shall I make your bed, Henry, my son?
How shall I make your bed, my beloved son?
Long and narrow, long and narrow,
Make my bed for I'm afraid in my heart,
And I want to lie down forever