Polly Van- Lucy Allen (MA) pre1939 Linscott
[From: Folk Songs of Old New England; Linscott, 1939. This version is similar to the 1810 broadside printed in Boston and could be very old. This family version was first published as "Polly Vann." G. L. Kittredge, "Ballads and Songs," Journal of American Folk-Lore, vol. 30. Child MSS., Harvard College Library, ii, 107-108, in the hand of the late Mr. W. W. Newell. "From Mrs. Ellis Allen, West Newton, Mass., born in Scituate, now 89 years old."
It was covered by Paul Clayton, in 1956.
R. Matteson 2016]
Polly Van- sung by Lucy Allen of West Newton, Massachusetts. It was passed down to her through the Allen family.
1. Oh, all ye brave huntsman who follow the gun,
Beware of a shooting at the setting of the sun,
For her true love went a-hunting and he shot in the dark,
And oh and alas! Polly Van was his mark.
CHORUS: For she'd her apron about her, and he took her for a swan,
But oh, and alas! It was she Polly Van.
2. he ran up to her when he found out it was she,
His joints they grew weak, his eyes scarce could see,
He embraced her in his arms when he found out she was dead,
And a fountain of tears for his true love he shed. (Chorus.)
3. He took her in his arms, and home quickly ran,
Crying: "Father! Dear father! I've shot Polly Van!
I've shot that fair female in the bloom of her life,
And I always intended to make her my wife." (Chorus.)
4. At midnight, in his chamber, Polly Van did appear,
Crying: "Jimmy, dear Jimmy, you have nothing to fear,
But stay in your country till the trial comes on,
You shall not be convicted for what you have done." (Chorus.)
5. In the midst of his trial, Polly Van did appear,
Crying: "Uncle! Dear Uncle! Jimmy Randall must be clear!"
The judges and lawyers stood round in a row,
Polly Van in the middle like a fountain of snow. (Chorus.)