Oh Willie- Mary Lou Bell (VA) 1932
[Renwick's title, no local title. From Thursday Morning Music Club of Staunton, Virginia. Opening stanza from broadside, Nelly's Constancy. This is a version of Cruel Father, which Renwick called "Oh Willie."
R. Matteson 2017]
"Oh Willie" from Mary Lou Bell of Staunton Virginia; 1932
1. William, William, I love you well
I love you more than tongue can tell.
I love you so, I dare not show,
If you do so, let no one know.
2. But when the parents came to hear,
They parted William and his dear.
And sent him on board of the "Ship of War,"
To act his part as a gallant tar.
3. When her father came home 'twas late at night,
He called for Sarah, his heart[1] still light.
Up stairs he ran, and the door he broke,
And found her hanging by her own bed rope.
4. Go dig my grave both wide and deep,
Put a marble stone at my head and feet,
And on my grave place the wings of a dove
To prove to the world that I died for love.
1. heart's delight