Silver Dagger- Raymond Sanders (AR) 1970 Hunter C1
[From Max Hunter Collection: Cat. #1066 (MFH #589) Minor editing.
Listen: http://maxhunter.missouristate.edu/songinformation.aspx?ID=1066
This is a version of the composed ballad (dating back to around 1810 in the US).
R. Matteson 2016]
Silver Dagger- As sung by Raymond Sanders, Mountain View, Arkansas on May 12, 1970
VERSE 1
A youth once courted a handsome lady,
He loved her as, he loved his life.
He often vowed, was his intention,
To make her his lawful wedded wife.
VERSE 2
O, when his parents came to know this
They strove to part them day an' night
Saying, "Son, O Son, don't be so foolish
For she's too poor, to be your bride."
VERSE 3
And when this lady, come to know this,
She quick resolved, what she would do.
She wondered forth an' left the city,
This pleasant place, no more to view.
VERSE 4
She wondered down beside the river,
There she prepared herself, for death,
Saying, "Here I am, a youth unmarried,
An' I must die, in dark distress."
VERSE 5
Well, she pulled forth a silver dagger
She plunged it in, her snow-white breast
O, first she reeled an' then she staggered
Saying, my true love I'm goin' to rest.
VERSE 6
Her sweetheart begin, in the valley
He thought he heard, his love one's voice
He ran, he ran, like one distracted
Saying, "My true love, I fear your lost."
VERSE 7
Well, he picked up the bloody body
He turned it over in his arms
Sayin', "Neither man or God can save you
An' you must die in all your charms."
VERSE 8
Well, he picked up the bloody dagger
He stabbed in thru his own true heart
Saying, "Let this be a lawful warnin'
To all who keeps true loves apart."