No, Sir- Holmes (KY) c.1900 Roberts
[From: Roberts & Agey, In the Pine (1978) pp.217-218. Recorded in 1958. Cf. 1881 version arranged by A. M. Wakefield.
R. Matteson 2017]
No Sir- sung by Mrs. Holmes' mother who learned the song about 1900 in Barren County, Kentucky.
1. Tell me one thing, tell me truly,
Tell me why you scorn me so?
Tell me why when asked a question,
You will always answer 'No'?
CHORUS: No sir, no sir, no sir, no,
No sir, no sir, no sir, no.
2. My father was a Spanish merchant
And before he went to sea,
He told me to be sure and answer [No]
To all you said to me.
CHORUS
3. If when walking in the garden,
Plucking flowers all wet with dew,
Tell me will you be offended if I,
Have a walk and talk with you?
CHORUS
4. If when walking in the garden,
I should ask you to be mine,
And should tell you that I loved you,
Would you then my heart decline?
CHORUS