Molly Banding- Albert Richter (PA) 1946 Bayard
[From Pennsylvania Songs and Legends, Korson, 1949. His notes follow. Recorded by Bayard, 1946.
R. Matteson 2016]
"Molly Banding" is probably AngloIrish in origin, but has long been known over the whole area of English folk song. From northern Fayette County, it goes to a much-altered version of one of its regular Irish airs.
Molly Banding- sung by Albert E. Richter, South Connellsville, 1946. Recorded by Bayard.
1. As I was a-walking, a walking along,
I was a-walking, a-hunting for swan.
2. Molly Banding she was walking, she was walking along,
Molly Banding she was walking when a shower it came on.
3. She stepped into some willows for the shower to shun;
With her apron twine around her, I took her for a swan.
4. Oh, me being mistaking, and shooting through the dark,
I swore by a lassie I would never miss my mark.
5. I then ran up to her and saw she was dead,
A fountain of tears on her bosom I shed.
6. I ran to my father with the gun in my hand,
Crying, Father, dear Father, I've murdered Molly Band!
7. It was not my meaning to render her sweet life,
I intended for to marry her and keep her as my wife.
8. The old man to the window, his hair being grey,
Crying, "Jimmy, dear Jimmy, Oh, do not run away."
9. Stay in your old country your trial to stand,
For I will not have it said that you murdered Molly Band.
10. Molly Banding next morning to her uncle did appear,
Crying, "Uncle, dear uncle, James Ransome you clear!"
11. "It was not his meaning to render my sweet life;
He intended for to marry me and make me his wife."
12. All the girls in the city was placed in a row,
Molly Banding in the middle like the mountains of snow.
13. All the girls in the city they seemed to be glad
When they heard that Molly Banding this tiding were dead.
14. Come all you true lovers, take warning by me,
Leave off your late walking and shun the willow tree.
15. Come all you late hunters who carries a gun,
And watch where you're shooting between sun and sun.