O Mother, Mother- Seagle (NC) 1918 Sharp MS
[My title. Single stanza with music as Bronson 120, from Sharp MSS., 4579. Notes from Sharp's diary follow,
R. Matteson 2015]
Sharp diary 1918 page 255. Monday 9 September 1918
Feel not so well, but the weather looking as though it might clear, we take 9.50 train to the junction, Clinchfield, and rout about for songs. First call on the Helmes (pronounced Emes) but as their son is going to Berea they were too upset to sit down & sing. Then to Mrs Seagle who gave me some rather nice songs and afterwards to Mrs Early who also gave me some. Take 1 train back to Marion. After rest & tea motored out to Morgan’s Dairy to see Mrs Snipes who sang me several songs. Her version of The Cruel Mother is an interesting one and she tells me old Mrs Haskins of Wood Lawn might be able to give me all the words, but I am afraid it is too far to go there on the chance of her remembering the words — she is very old. Walk back to Marion in time for dinner. Weather is now fine again and warmer. After dinner write a long letter to Joan while Maud writes to Mr Campbell in reply to his long letter of instructions which arrived this morning. Feel very seedy & weak and find walking very difficult.
O Mother, Mother [Barbara Allen]- Sung by Mrs. Dorah Seagle, Clinchfield, N.C., September 9, 1918.
O mother, mother, go make my bed,
Go make it long and narrow,
Sweet William died for me today,
I'll die for him tomorrow.