Molly Bender- Phyllis Marks (WV) pre1991 Davies
[From: Gwilym Davies, private collection. His notes follow. Also Folksongs & ballads. Volume 2, Phyllis Marks- Elkins, W. Va.: Augusta Heritage Recordings, 1991.
"Phyllis learned most of her ballads, folksongs, and life lessons from her mother, Arlene Layfield Frashure, whom Phyllis says was of Irish ancestry." (Milnes)
R. Matteson 2016]
Across the Blue Mountains
An Appalachian and Adirondack field trip
Our first port of call was to see Phyllis Marks, a delightful 70 year-old who lives at Glenville, Gilmore County. Phillis Marks. Phyllis has a large repertoire of old songs learnt from her parents and her late husband and she has already been recorded by Gerry Milnes. Phyllis is blind and so singing is very much one of the joys of her life. (Davies)
Molly Bender- As sung Phillis Marks of Glenville, WVA in 1998; Text from Davies; 1998 recording.
Molly Bender was out walking when a shower came on
She went under a beach tree the shower to shun
Jimmy Randall was out hunting, it was way after dark
He shot at Molly Bender and he missed not his mark.
He ran up to her with his gun in his hand
And a shower of tears in her bosom he shed.
He run to his uncle with his gun in his hand
Saying 'Uncle, dear uncle, Molly Bender I've slain'.
It was not my intention for to take her sweet life
I intended for to marry and to make her my wife.
His uncle stood at the window, his hair turning grey
Said 'Jimmy, dear Jimmy, oh don't run away.'
Your father has money, your debts he will pay
And the laws of this land will set Jimmy free.'
At the day of his trial, Molly's ghost did appear
Saying, 'Jimmy, oh Jimmy, oh Jimmy go clear.'
It was not your intention for to take my sweet life.'
'I intended for to marry and to make you my wife.'
Molly Bender was a lady, though now dead and gone.
With her apron pinned around her, she was shot for a swan.