Mollie Vaughn- F. Swetnam (MS-KY) 1936 Hudson B
[From: Folksongs of Mississippi, 1936, Hudson, version B. Hudson's notes follow.
R. Matteson 2016]
B. "Mollie Vaughn." Text secured by Mr. G. F. swetnam from the singing of his mother, Mrs. Flora Stafford Swetnam, Vaiden. This text, traceable to Kentucky, is interesting for its preservation of the ghost in the seventh stanza. For a discussion of the point, see Journal, XXX, 3\9.
1 Molly Bawn was a-walking, and a-walking in the dark,
she ran under a tree for shelter when a shower came on.
2 Jimmy Randall was a-hunting, and a-hunting in the dark;
He shot at his truelove, and missed not his mark.
3. . . . .
Crying, "Jimmy, O Jimmy, you've killed your truelove."
4. Jimmy ran to his uncle with his gun in his hand,
Saying, "Uncle, dear uncle, I've killed Molly Bawn."
5. . . . .
Saying, "Jimmy, dear Jimmy, do not run away.
6. "Stay in this country till your trial comes on,
You shall not be hanged for killing Molly Bawn."
7. On the day of Jimmy's trial, Molly's ghost did appear,
. . . .
8. Saying, "With my apron pinned around me, oh, he thought I was a fawn."
Jimmy Randall was cleared of killing Molly Bawn.