[How Come That Blood?] Edward- Gentry (NC) 1916 Sharp A
[My title. From English Folk Songs from the Southern Appalachians by Sharp/Karpeles I, 1932, with music. Cecil Sharp found 10 variants of Edward in the Southern Appalachians. B, C and F are melodies with only one verse.
It's likely that this version is old. Jane Gentry of Hot Springs, NC learned many of her ballads from Council Harmon's her grandfather. She was Cecil Sharp's most prolific informant, contributing 64 songs and ballads. Council "Old Counce" Harmon was a musician, dancer and storyteller. Counce learned ballads from his grandfather, "Big Sammy," Samuel Hicks (1753- 1835) who was descended from David Hix (also spelled Hicks) whose great grandfather, also named Samuel Hicks, came from England to Virginia in 1638. In 1778 David moved to Watauga County, NC.
R. Matteson 2012, 2014]
How Come That Blood?- Sung by Mrs. Jane Gentry; At Hot Springs, N.C., August 24, 1916; Sharp Version A
1 How come that blood on your shirt sleeve?
Pray, son, now tell to me.
It is the blood of the old greyhound
That run young fox for me.
2 It is too pale for that old greyhound
Pray, son, now tell to me.
It is the blood of the old grey mare
That ploughed that corn for me.
3 It is too pale for that old grey mare.
Pray, son, now tell to me,
It is the blood of my youngest brother
That hoed that corn for me.
4 What did you fall out about?
Pray, son, now tell to me.
Because he cut yon holly bush
Which might have made a tree.
5 O what will you tell to your father dear
When he comes home from town?
I'll set my foot in yonder ship
And sail the ocean round.
6. O what will you do with your sweet little wife?
Pray, son, now tell to me.
I'll set her foot in yonder ship
To keep me company.
7. O what will you do with your three little babes?
Pray, son, now tell to me.
I'll leave them here in the care of you
For to keep you company.
8. O what will you do with your house and land?
Pray, son, now tell to me.
I'll leave it here in care of you
For to set my children free.