Little Betty Ann- Inez Chandler (NC) 1980 Yates
[From Yates: Musical Traditions MTCD 324 ('Far in the Mountains 4'). This is the second of two versions. His notes follow.
R. Matteson 2018]
Cecil Sharp collected one set of Little Betty Ann from Ellie Johnson of Hot Springs, Madison County, NC, in 1916. As Inez explained to me, the song really comprises a collection of 'floating' verses which are often used as mnemonics for fiddle-tunes. Inez Chandler's final verse is more often associated with the song Liza Jane.
7. Little Betty Ann (Roud 5720) Sung by Inez Chandler at her home in Marshall, Madison County, NC, 28.8.80)
(b) 'Til I went down to my little Betty Ann's
And I hadn't been there before.
She fed me out of the little pig trough
And I'll go there no more.
Reel and rock my little Betty Ann,
Reel and rock I say.
Reel and rock my little Betty Ann,
For love I'm going away.
Sixteen years a cannonball,
It's I've been around this line.
Sweethearts is plenty, little love,
But a good wife's hard to find.
Went up on the mountain top,
I give my horn a blow.
Yonder come my pretty little girl,
Yonder come my beau.
The hardest work I ever done
Was working in the rain.
Easiest thing I ever done
Was loving Liza Jane.