Polly Vaughn- R. Dillard (MO) 1963 Dillards REC
[From Elektra EKL 232 recording of The Dillards on Back Porch Bluegrass (1963) with "new lyrics by R. Dillard." I assume this was arranged from tradition by Rodney Dillard. There were traditional versions in the midwest at that time. Dusenbury's Arkansas version is similar.
R. Matteson 2016]
Polly Vaughn -Sung by The Dillards, 1963.
Now come all ye hunters who follow the gun
Beware of your shooting at the setting of the sun
For Polly's own true love he shot in the dark
But oh and alas, Polly Vaughn was his mark.
CHORUS: For she'd her apron wrapped about her and he took her for a swan
Oh, and alas, it was she, Polly Vaughn.
He ran up beside her and saw that it was she
Cried, "Polly oh Polly have I killed thee?"
He lifted up her head and saw that she was dead
And a fountain of tears for his true love he shed.
CHORUS: For she'd her apron wrapped about her and he took her for a swan
Oh, and alas, it was she, Polly Vaughn.
In the middle of the night Polly Vaughn did appear
Cried "Jimmy oh Jimmy you must have no fear;
Just tell them you were hunting when your trial day has come
And you won't be convicted for what you have done."
CHORUS: For she'd her apron wrapped about her and he took her for a swan
Oh, and alas, it was she, Polly Vaughn.
In the middle of the trial Polly Vaughn did appear
Crying, "Uncle oh Uncle Jimmy Randall must go clear."
The lawyers and the judges stood around in a row
In the middle Polly Vaughn like some fountain of snow.
CHORUS: For she'd her apron wrapped about her and they took her for a swan
Oh and alas, it was she Polly Vaughn
Oh and alas, it was she Polly Vaughn.