Hold Your Hands- Lewis (MO) 1927 Randolph A
[Randolph; Ozark Folksongs; 1946 p. 143 (A). Bronson 41.
R. Matteson 2015]
"Hold Your Hands, Old Man" - Sung by William Lewis, Anderson, Mo., October 4, 1927.
1. Hold your hands, old man,
Hold 'em a little while,
I think I see my father a-comin',
At a distance far away.
2. Oh father, have you brought my gold?
Father, have you paid my fee?
Or have you come to see me hung
O[n] yonder gallows tree?
3. Neither have I brought your gold,
An' neither have I paid your fee,
But I have come to see you hung
On yonder gallows tree.
4. Hold your hands, old man,
Hold 'em a little while,
For I think I see my mother a-coming,
At a distance far away.
5. Oh mother, have you brought my gold
Mother, have you paid my fee,
Or have you come to see me hung
O[n] yonder gallows tree?
6. Neither did I bring your gold,
An' neither have I paid your fee,
But I have come to see you hung
On yonder gallows tree.
Continues as before introducing the other relations and finally the girl's sweetheart answers:
Yes, oh yes, I've brought your gold!
An' yes, oh yes, I've paid your fee,
But neither have I come to see you hung
On yonder gallows tree!