My Son, Come Tell It To Me- Brixey (OK-AR) c1930
[From Ballads and Folk Songs of the Southwest- Ethel and Chauncey Moore; 1964, with music. According to the Moores, Edward was a very popular ballad in Oklahoma. They found 22 texts with music, making it the 5th most popular Child ballad in their collection (they however, published only one version).
R. Matteson 2014]
My Son, Come Tell It To Me- As sung by Mrs. Clyde Brixey of Glenpool, who was born in Oklahoma in 1917. Her parents from whom she learned her songs , were from Arkansas.
"What come that blood on your shirt sleeve?
N{y son, come tell it to me."
"It is the blood of my pretty little mare,
That was so strong and good."
"Your mare's blood was never so red.
My son, come tell it to me."
"ft is the blood of my pretty greyhound,
Who hunts these woods all through."
"Your greyhound's blood is not so red.
My son, come tell it to me."
"It is the blood of my brother dear,
That I no more shall see."
"What you gonna do when your papa comes home?
My son, come tell it to me."
"I'll step my foot on yonder shore,
And never return no more."
"But what'll you do with your pretty little mare?
My son, come tell it to me."
"I'll leave her here along with you,
To hunt these woods all through."
"What are you gonna do with your pretty grey-hound?
My son, come tell it to me."
"I'll leave her here along with you,
To hunt these woods all through."
"What are you gonna do with your lovely little wife?
My son, come tell it to me."
"I'll leave her here along with you,
To keep you company."