Pretty Sally- Barker (VA) pre1941 Abrams
[From the W. Amos Abrams Collection, also without text in Brown Collection Vol. 4; Pretty Sally as sung by Horton Barker, 1889-1973 a traditional singer who recorded by Smithsonian. He was born in Laurel Bloomery, Johnson County, Tennessee and moved with his family to Chilhowie, Smyth County, Virginia when he was still in school c. 1900.
Barker's version is mysteriously titled, "New Ballad," in Brown Vol. 4 (possibly because Brown A in Vol. 2 was titled New Ballad?). Barker knew it as Pretty Sally- great version. Recorded on August 14, 1941 and April 25, 1942. The melody is reminiscent of the great hymn tune for "Be thou My Vision."
R. Mattteson Jr. 2014]
Listen: http://contentdm.library.appstate.edu/docapp/abrams/field_recordings/sweet_sally.html
A. 'New Ballad.' Sung by Horton Barker. From the previous recording of Dr. W. A. Abrams, probably at Boone. No date given. (In II 299 for BSSM
For melodic relationship of. **SharpK i 299, No. 44G, the main points in the general melodic progressions. Scale: Heptachordal, plagal. Tonal Center: a. Structure: abcc1 (4,4,4.4") = ab (8,8).
Pretty Sally- Horton Barker pre1941
There was a rich lady
From London she came.
She was called Pretty Sally,
Pretty Sally by name.
Her wealth it was more
Than the king did possess;
Her beauty was more
Than her wealth at the best.
There was a poor doctor
Was living hard by
Who on this fair lady
In love cast his eye.
He courted her nightly
A year and a day,
But still she refused him
And ever said nay.
Oh Sally dear Sally,
Pretty Sally says he
Can you tell me the reason
Our love can't agree?
Your cruel unkindness
MY ruin will prove
Unless all your hatred
Will turn into love.
I bear you no hatred
Nor no other man
But truly to fancy you
I never can.
Give over your courting;
I pray you be still;
For you I'll ne'er marry
Of my own free will.
'Twas soon after this
Ere a year had gone by
Pretty Sally grew sick
And she feared she would die.
She tangled was in love [1]
And herself did accuse
So sent for the doctor
She once had refused.
Oh am I the doctor
Whose skill you would try
Or am I the young man
You once did deny?
Yes, you are the doctor
Can kill or can cure
Unless you will help me
I'm dying I'm sure.
Oh, Sally, dear Sally
Oh Sally says he
Oh don't you remember
How you slighted me?
You treated me coldly,
MY love you did scorn,
So now you must suffer
For things past and gone.
If they are past and gone dear
Forget and forgive
And suffer me longer
In this world to live.
I never can forgive you
Until my dying day
But on your grave I'll dance
When you're laid in cold clay.
1. He sings, "tangled was" but "was tangled" or "tangled herself" might be better here.