Some Songs and Ballads from Tennessee and North Carolina by Isabel Gordon Carter
The Journal of American Folklore, Vol. 46, No. 179 (Jan. - Mar., 1933), pp. 22-50
SOME SONGS AND BALLADS FROM TENNESSEE AND NORTH CAROLINA
ISABEL GORDON CARTER
During the summer of 1923, while collecting folk stories in the mountains of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, the writer heard many songs and ballads and took down the words of fifty of them. During the past twenty years so much excellent work has been done in recording both the words and music of old songs in the United States that some hesitancy is felt in publishing these songs without the accompanying music. The following thirty have been selected, however, as worthy of publication due to their interest as new ballads such as "Alcoa Mule" and "Little Mary Phagan"; or because they have not previously been recorded from this section as "Old King Kind"; or, more frequently, because they are variants which may be of interest to the student of folk songs.
Further information regarding variants and sources may be obtained by consulting the selected references given. The most frequent references are abbreviated thus:
Child (English and Scottish Popular Ballads);
JAFL (Journal of American Folk-Lore);
Sharp (One Hundred English Folk-Songs);
Campbell and Sharp (English Folk-Songs of the Southern Appalachians);
Cox (Folk-Songs of the South);
Lomax (Cow-boy Songs and Other Frontier Ballads);
Finger (Frontier Ballads);
Hartness and Brown (Vermont Folk-Songs and Ballads);
Shoemaker (North Pennsylvania Minstrelsy).
1. WILDA WEAVER [1]
1. "Mother, mother, I am married.
Better single had I tarried,
For the women kind, I do declare,
They swear the britches they will wear."
2. "Son, oh son, oh what's the matter?
Does my daughter frown or flatter
Or does she through the tavern go
With Wilda Weaver and God knows who?"
3. "You go home and give her diet,
Give her gold to keep her quiet
And give my daughter work to do
And let me hear no more from you."
4. As he went home a neighbor met him
All he told him was to fret him [2]
"Neighbor, neighbor I'll tell you now
Just where I saw your wife and how.
5. "I saw your wife and Wilda Weaver
Talking low in love together
Standing all by your house door
As they went in I'll say no more."
6. He went home all in a wonder
Rattling at the door like thunder
"Who is here?" poor Will replied.
"That's my dear husband; you must hide."
7. His wife she would not let him enter
Till up the chimney Will did venture
He cursed and rared and damned her soul.
"Oh let me in for I am cold.
8. "Wife, oh wife, make no objections
Follow after my directions."
This he said but no reply.
"Go bring me grog for I am dry."
9. While his wife the grog was fetching
Round the rooms he begin a searching
He searched the rooms and chambers round
But not one soul could there be found.
10. As he stood there all amazing
Up the chimney he was gazing
There sit Will, the wretched soul,
All humped up on the chimney pole.
11. "Oh yes, my lad, I'm glad I found ye
Neither aim to hang or drown ye."
This thought but nothing spoke:
"I will stifle you well with smoke."
12. He built up a rousin' fire
Just to suits his own desire.
His wife cried out with a free good will,
"Oh husband dear, the man you'll kill."
13. There never was a chimney sweeper'
Half so black as Wilda Weaver.
They took him down black and disguised
And sent him home with two gouged eyes.
14. As he went home his wife she met him
Up with a club and down she fetched him
She turned his black all into red
And now poor Wilda Weaver's dead.
[1] Abie Shepherd, Bryson City, N. C. As Abie Shepherd started to sing the following, Mrs. Shepherd, the singer's mother remarked: "I 'lowed everybody in the world knew that." See Shoemaker, p. 135 "Will the Weaver". Shoemaker believes it is probably derived from an old Scottish ballad "Gil Morrice".
[2] Mrs. Shepherd: "That's human nature for you."
2. OLD KING KIND [1]
I. Old King Kind he called for his wine, called for his fiddlers too.[2]
Every man that could play well a very fine fiddle had he
Fiddle, fiddle, bow to the fiddlers drink
Bow sweethearts in the pulpit near
Not another one in Scotland so fair as Nancy, my dear.
2. Old King Kind he called for his wine, called for his harpers too.
Every man that could play well a very fine harp had he.
Twiddle, twiddle twang with the harpers
Fiddle, fiddle bow to the fiddles drink
Bow sweethearts in the pulpit near
Nary another one in Scotland so fair as Nancy, my dear.
3. Old King Kind called for his wine, called for his fifers too.
Every man that could play well a very fine fife had he.
Rup-pi-tup-py, rup-pi-tup-py-tup with the fifers.
Twiddle, twiddle twang with the harpers
etc.
4. Old King Kind called for his wine, called for his drummers too.
Every man that could play well a very fine drum had he.
Bum-bum-bum with the drummers
Rup-pi-tup-py, rup-pi-tup-py-tup with the fifers.
etc.
5. Old King Kind called for his wine, called for his axemen too.
Every man that could chop well a very fine ax had he.
Whop, whop, whop with the chopper
Bum-bum-bum with the drummers
etc.
6. Old King Kind called for his wine, called for his ploughmen too.[3]
Every man that could plough well a very fine horse had he.
Gee Becky devil with the ploughmen
Whop, whop with the chopper
etc.
[1] Abie Shepherd: "a chimney sweeper is a kind of bird."
[2] Abie Shepherd, Bryson City, N.C. Gestures were made by the singer to illustrate the playing of different instruments, etc. When she reached "twiddle twiddle twang with the harpers" the gesture illustrated the playing of a Jew's-harp.
[3] Questioning disclosed the fact that to the singer the meaning was "too" as given and not "two".
3. OVER HIGH HILLS AND LONELY MOUNTAINS [1]
1. In seaboard town there was a merchant,
He had two sons and a daughter fair;
And prettiest boy was bounden to him
And to him he was the same.
2. Late one night they was silent a courting,
Her brother's heard what they did say;
"That long courtship shall soon be ended
By forcing you into your grave."
3. They rose next morning early starting,
Hunting these three men did go
Over high hills and lonely mountains,
And then into the place of woe.
4. Late that night while they was returning,
She asked, "Where is the servant man ?
Oh Brothers, you seem to whisper lowly,
Oh, brothers, do tell me if you can."
5. "We lost him in some suits (?) of hunting,
The face of him you no more shall see;
What makes you seem so much affronted?
Why do you examine me?"
6. Late that night while she was returning,
His ghost to her bedside appeared;
His face was badly bruised and bleeding,
His cheeks all in his blood was smeared.
7. "Weep not for me, my dearest jewel,
To weep for me 'tis all in vain;
Go straight way to yon ditch of briars,
There you find me dead and slain."
8. She rose next morning early starting,
Hunting that dear boy of hers;
She went till she came to the ditch of briars,
And there she found him dead and slain.
9. His face was bloody as the butcher,
Tears in his eyes like salty brine.
She kissed his cold pale cheeks a crying,
Saying "This dear boy was a friend of mine."
10. "Now since my brothers have been so cruel,
As to force your dear sweet life away,
One grave shall serve us both together,
While I have breath with you I'll stay."
11. For three days she fasted o'er him,
Until her heart was filled with woe;
"I feel sharp hunger creeping o'er me,
Homeward, or die, I'm bound to go."
12. Late that night while she was returning,
Her brothers asked where she had been;
"Go way, go way, you cruel murderers
For this dear boy you have slain."
13. Now to get rid of the cruel murder.
Was to sail across the deep blue sea.
The wind did blow and it ain't no wonder
And they (?) blew them both into their graves.
[1] Recorded from Abie Shepherd, Bryson City, N. C. See JAFL Vol. 20 p. 259; Vol. 29, p. 168; Vol. 35 p. 359; Vol. 45 P. 48; Journal of Folk-Song Society Vol. I p. 60o; Vol. 2 p. 42; Sharp, p. 4; Campbell and Sharp, p. 151; Cox, p. 305.
4. THE DYING RANGER [1]
I. The sun was slowly sinking, and fell with lingering rays;
Through the branches of the forest, a wounded ranger lay.
A group had gathered round him, his comrades in the fight.
A tear rolled down each man's cheek, as he bid a last good-night.
2. "Draw close unto me comrades, and listen to what I say
I'm going to tell a story as the spirit hastens away.
Way back in northwest Texas, that good old lone star state,
There is one for my coming with a weary heart will wait.
3. "A fair young girl, my sister, my only joy, my pride,
I've loved her from her childhood and have loved no one beside.
I've loved her as a father and with a brother's care,
I've strove from grief and sorrow her gentle heart to spare.
4. "My mother she lies sleeping beneath the church yard sod;
And many days has passed away since her spirit fled to God.
My father he lies sleeping beneath the deep blue sea;
I have no other kindred; there are none but Nell and me.
5. "Our country was invaded, they called for volunteers.
She threw her arms around me and bursted into tears
Saying; "Joe, my darling brother, drive those traitors from our shore
My heart does need your presence but our country needs you more."
6. "It's true I love my country for her I gave my all,
If it was not for my sister I would be content to fall.
But now that I am dying she will never see me no more,
In vain she'll wait my coming at my little cottage door.
7. "Draw closer to me comrades and listen to nly dying prayer;
Who'll be to her a brother and shield her with a brother's care ?"
Up spoke these noble rangers, they answered one and all
Saying: "We'll be to her a brother 'til the last one of us does fall."
8. One glad smile of pleasure o'er the ranger's face is spread,
One dark convulsive shudder and the ranger boy was dead.
Far away from his loving sister they laid him down to rest,
His saddle for a pillow and his gun across his breast.
[1] Recorded from Abie Shepherd, Bryson City, N. C. Cox p. 263; Lomax p. 214; Finger p. 170.
5. BARBARY ALLEN [1]
I. In Scarland town, where I was born,
There was many fair ladies dwelling,
I choose me one for to be my own,
Her name was Barbary Allen.
2. If I was a man and a mighty man,
A man of my own dwelling,
I would write me a letter of my own heart blood
And send to Barbary Allen.
3. Oh yes I'm a man and a mighty man,
A man of my own dwelling,
I'll write me a letter of my own heart blood
And send to Barbary Allen.
4. All in the merry month of May,
While the green buds were a swelling;
Sweet William on his death bed lay
For the love of Barbary Allen.
5. He sent his servants to the town,
To this young lady's dwelling;
"My master dear has sent me here
For the Lady Barbary Allen."
6. Slowly, slowly rose she up,
And went to where he was lying;
And when she reached him then she spoke,
"Young man I think you're dying."
7. "Oh yes I'm sick, and very sick,
And feel so much like dying;
No better will I ever be
Till I get Barbary Allen."
8. "Oh yes you're sick and very sick
And look very much like dying,
No better will you ever be
For you can't get Barbary Allen."
9. He turned his pale face to the wall;
He turned his back upon them;
"Adieu, adieu, to my friends all
Be kind to Barbary Allen."
10. And as she rode from Scarland town,
She heard those death bells ringing;
And as they rung she thought they sung,
"Hard-hearted Barbary Allen."
11. Then looked she east, and looked she west,
Till she saw the cold corpse coming.
"Ah, hand me down that fair young man
That I may look upon him."
12. The more she looked, the more she wept,
Till she cried out in sorrow:
"Sweet William died for me to-day,
I'll die for him to-morrow."
13. Barbary lies in the King's Churchyard
Sweet William close beside her;
And out of her grave sprang a red, red rose
And out of his a briar.
14. They grew and grew up the old church tower
Till they could grow no higher;
In there they tied a true love knot,
With a red rose round the briar.
[1] Recorded from Abie Shepherd, Bryson City N. C. See Child No. 84; JAFL Vol. 20 p. 256; Vol. 29 p. 16o; Vol. 30 p. 317; Vol. 35 p. 343; Cox p. 96; Hartness and Brown p. 213; Sharp p. 20; Campbell and Sharp p. go.
6. LEXINGTON MURDER Recorded from Abie Shepherd, Bryson City, N. C. See JAFL Vol. 45 p. 125, Vol. 42 p. 247; Hartness and Brown p. 88; Cox p. 3II. Cox states that "an American broadside of the early part of the I9th century...." affords a condensed version of 'The Wittam Miller' under the title of 'The Lexington Miller'.
I. My tender parents brought me up, providing me full well,
And in the city of Lexington they put me in the mill;
And there I spied a fair young maid, and on her I cast my eye;
I asked her if she'd marry me and she believed a lie.
2. We went into her sister's house about eight o'clock one night;
Not one time did the creature think at her I had a spite.
I asked her for to take a walk a little ways away,
That she and I might have a talk about our wedding day.
3. We walked along, we talked along, to a lonely desert place,
I drew a stick from off the fence and struck her in the face;
Down on her bended knee she fell and loud for mercy cried,
"For Heaven's sakes don't murder me, I'm not prepared to die."
4. But little did I pay to her, I only struck her more,
Until I saw that innocent blood which I could not restore;
I ran my hands through her cold black hair and I tried to cover my sins,
I drug her to the river's bank and there I plunged her in.
5. As I returned back to my mill, I met my servant John,
He asked me why I looked so sad and yet so badly one.
I lit my candle and went to bed expecting to take a rest
It seemed as if the flames of hell were burning at my breast.
Young men and boys, take warning from this and unto your lover be true,
Don't never let the devil get the upper hand of you.
7. OLD MILLER [1]
1. Once an old man going to make his will,
Once an old man going to make his will,
Once an old man going to make his will,
He had nothing but a little old mill.
Timerick, timerack, timarido.
2 . He called up his oldest son:
"Son, oh son, my days are done,
And if to you the mill I make,
I'd like to know the toll you'll take."
Timerick, timerack, timarido.
3. "Father, father my name's Dick,
Out of a bushel I'll take a peck;
And every bushel I should grind
A very fine living would find."
Timerick, timerack, timarido.
4. "Such toll as this from a little old mill,
Such toll as this from a little old mill,
Such toll as this from a little old mill,
Such toll as this and man can't live."
Timerick, timerack, timarido.
5. He called up his second son:
"Son, oh son my days are done,
And if to you the mill I make,
I'd like to know the toll you'll take."
Timerick, timerack, timarido.
6. "Father, father, my names Gaff,
Out of a bushel I'll take half,
And every bushel I should grind.
A very fine living I would find."
Timerick, timerack, timarido.
7. "Such toll as this from a little old mill,
Such toll as this from a little old mill,
Such toll as this from a little old mill,
Such toll as this and a man can't live."
Timerick, timerack, timarido.
8. He called up his youngest son:
"Son, oh son, my days are done,
And if to you the mill I make,
I'd like to know the toll you'd take."
Timerick, timerack, timarido.
9. "Father, father I'm you boy,
Taking toll aint all my joy,
Taking toll aint what I lack,
I'll take the turn and swear to the sack."
Timerick, timerack, timarido.
10. "The mill is yours" the old man cried,
"The mill is yours" the old man cried,
"The mill is yours" the old man cried,
Then he shut his eyes and died.
Timerick, timerack, timarido.
11. Where he's gone no one can tell,
Where he's gone no one can tell,
Where he's gone no one can tell,
But I guess he's a parchin' corn in hell.
Timerick, timerack, timarido.
[1] Recorded from Abie Shepherd, Bryson City, N. C. See JAFL Vol. 35, p. 390; Cox p. 450.
8. GEORGY BOY [1]
1. When I left the state of Georgy,
To North Carolina I did go.
There I spied a handsome lady.
Oh her name I did not know.
2. Her hair was of a dark brown color,
Her cheeks were of a rosy red,
And o'er her breast she wore white linen;
Oh the tears that I have shed.
3. When I'm asleep I'm a-dreaming about her,
When I'm awake I take no rest,
Every moment seems like an hour,
Oh the pain across my breast.
4. Her papa says he is not willing,
And her mamma says it'll never do.
But my pretty kind miss if you are willing,
I'll run away with you.
5. "Hush up, hush, you'll wake my papa,
Lies on yonders bed of rest;
And in his hand he holds a weapon,
To kill the man that I love best."
6. I wish I was on yonders mountain;
There I'd spend these months and years,
But I'll stay here in North Carolina,
Drink cold water and shed tears.
[1] Recorded from Abie Shepherd, Bryson City, N. C. After agreeing to sing "Georgy Boy" Abie Shepherd added: "That's a lonesome song, I take the blues when I hear it." See JAFL Vol. 20 p. 260, Vol. 29 p. 200, Vol. 30 p. 338, Vol. 35 P. 356; Cox p. 348; Sharp p. 106; Campbell and Sharp p. 173.
9. JOHNNY DIAL [1]
1. One morning in May while the moon shone so bright,
Me and my true love was about to take a flight;
My handmaid was near me and heard what I did say,
She ran to my mama and told her on me.
2. My mama she locked me up in a room so high
Where no one could see me nor no one passed me by;
She bundled up my clothing and bid me begone,
So slowly, so slowly I put them all on.
3. My father provided me five hundred pound,
Horse, bridle and saddle for me to ride upon,
And five or six footmen to run by my side,
In order to make me young Samuel Moore's bride.
4. We rode and we rode 'til we came to the town,
We rode to Mr. George's and there we got down.
It's you that has the pleasure and I that has the trial
My poor heart is breaking for young Johnny Dial.
5. They sent for the squire when he entered the door
My earrings they bursted and fell to the floor;
In five or six pieces like footsteps they flew
Then my poor heart must have broken in two.
6. I got up behind my brother so softly I rode home,
My mother conducting me into my room;
I went to my bed to lay myself down,
So weary, so weakly my body I found.
7. "Oh mother, oh mother make haste to the door
Mama, dear mama don't let in Samuel Moore.
He never shall enjoy me nor call me his bride
My poor heart is breaking for young Johnny Dial."
8. "Daughter, dear daughter I'll send for Johnny Dial."
"Mama, dear mama 'tis hardly worth while,
Before tomorrow morning with me all will be well;
There's more grief in my heart than my poor tongue can tell."
[1] Recorded from Abie Shepherd, Bryson City, N. C. See JAFL Vol. 24; Campbell and Sharp p. 251.
10. MISS MOLLY [1]
I. I rode to church last Sunday, I passed Miss Molly by,
I knew her mind was changing, by the rolling of her eye.
Have you forgotten, Miss Molly, when you vowed and gave your hand
And said if ever you married that I should be the man?
2. Now you've forsaken your promise and marry who you please,
While my poor heart is breaking, you're living at your ease.
Her hair was black as a raven, her eyes black as a crow,
Cheeks were red as a rosy, fresh in the morning dew.
3. You may sail upon the ocean, you may sail upon the sea,
I love my little darling wherever you may be;
Now you've forsaken your promise and I am bound to roam,
I'll join the Rebel soldiers, whenever I get home.
[1] Recorded from Abie Shepherd, Bryson, City, N. C. See Cox p. 279; JAFL
Vol. 45 P. 103.
11. ALCOA MULE [1]
I. Old Bill White had an old mule,
His eyes was gone and he looked mighty blue.
He says "Old mule I love you still
Tied to the track in the Keithly fill."
2. "Whoa, mule, whoa, whoa," he said,
"Ha, ha, ha my mule is dead."
He went to Mr. Lane and then he said,
"The train hit my mule and killed him dead."
3. "Pay me for my mule," he said,
"A case in court you will have to fight.
"Mr. White, it don't look right
For old Beck to be killed on Monday night.
4. "Mr. Lane, it's nothing wrong
I'm backed by a man named Walker Long."
Went to Marlow on Tuesday morn
Took his wife and girl along.
5. Went to Daggles and didn't stay long
Made a deed to Walker Long
Went to Marlow on Tuesday morn
Took his wife and girl along.
6. "Sixteen dollars in my jeans
No more in Marlow I'll be seen
Went to Marlow, the sun went down
Goodbye, goodbye old Marlow town.
7. "I'll land in Oklahoma brave and bold
Left old Walker the bag to hold
I'll land in Oklahoma brave and bold
Left old Walker the bag to hold."
8. Land in Oklahoma on Friday morn
Received a message from Walker Long:
"Hold him tight don't let him slip
Wait for a ride with the Sheriff Smith."
9. Round the curve came old 14
The fireman hollered come her Rutt[2]
We've knocked old Beck clear out of the cut
"Whoa, mule, whoa, whoa," he said,
"Ha ha ha the mule is dead."
10. W. O. Patterson first came along
Carried the news to Walker Long
Him and Walker they came back
Found old Beck knocked flat on her back.
11. Closed her eyes and tied her feet
Buried her in her grave so deep
Put tombstones at her head and her feet.
Locked old Bill in the jail to weep.
12. She blew so lonesome, blew so shrill
She blew at Beck in the Keithly fill,
She blew so lonesome, blew so shrill,
Song composed by Steamboat Bill.
[1] Recorded from Abie Shepherd, Bryson City, N. C. According to Abie Shepherd the incidents related in the following song took place in Alcoa, Tennessee about 1918.
[2] Section foreman.
12. (NO TITLE)[1]
I. My lover's on the ocean, oh let him sink or swim,
For he thinks that in his heart I'm not so good as him.
He thinks himself above me, I plainly let him see,
I have another sweetheart since he went back on me.
2. The last time I saw him, it was down in yonders grove,
He smiled as he passed me and offered me a rose.
He thought I would accept it, I plainly let him see,
I had another sweetheart since he went back on me.
3. His tongue was so flattering, his time was always slow,
I often had to tell him to take his hat and go.
Young man stay at home and give your mother ease,
They say she's a lady and very hard to please.
4. They say she talks about me, her tongue has never done,
Tell her she need not worry for I wont have her son.
I'll sing and be as merry as the nightingale of (?) free
There 's rest for the weary since he went back on me.
[1] Recorded from Abie Shepherd, Bryson City, N. C.
13. YANKEE BOYS [1]
1. Yonder stands a fair damsel
With her hands white as snow.
Go court her fairest favors
Maybe her answers wont be no.
Chorus: Ying ding diddle ding
Ying ding day
Ying ding diddle ding
A fol dol day.
2. "Madam, I have gold and silver;
Madam, I have house and land,
Madam, I have the world of treasures
You may have at your own command."
3. "What care I for your gold and silver,
What care I for your house and land,
What care I for your world of treasure
All I want is a rebel man."
4. Yankee boys go a courting,
Stay so long they go astray,
Reason why they don't stay longer,
They ain't got greenback to pay their way.
5. Rebel boys raised in honor
They know how to court the maid,
Hug and kiss and call 'em honey;
Rush up pretty boy and don't be afraid.
6. Yankee boys raised in ashes
Don't know how to court a maid,
Turn their backs to hide their faces,
Thoughts of a pretty girl makes them afraid.
7. Many times I've been to England,
Often times I've been to France,
Often times my mama's whipped me
O'er the floor she made me dance.
8. Wake up, wake up you drousy sleepers,
Wake up, wake up, it's almost day,
Hang your head in yonder winder
See those rebels run away.
[1] Recorded from Able Shepherd, Bryson City, N. C. See Lunsford, B. Land Stringfield, L. Thirty and one Folksongs from Southern Mts. p. 56; Farnsworth, Chas. and Sharp, C. J. Folk-Songs, Chanteys and Singing Games, p. 31; Hartness and Brown p. 154.
14. WILLIE [1]
1. Oh they tell me it's sinful to flirt,
Oh they tell me my heart's made of stone,
They say I must speak to her kind,
Or else leave the poor girl alone.
Chorus: Come back to me, Willie, come back,
I will always be loving and true;
Come back to me, Willie, come back,
I will always be loving to you.
2. "Oh they tell me he's only a boy,
But I'm sure he's much older than I,
And if they had left us alone,
Oh how happy would been him and I.
3. "I remember the night that he said,
That he loved me more dearer than life,
He called me his darling" she said
"And asked me if I'd be his wife."
4. She answered with a smile "Willie, dear,
I'm sure I will have to say no."
Then he took from her hair one white rose
And said "Goodbye dear, I must go."
5. Next morning poor Willie was dead,
He was found in a pound by a mill,
In the blessed clear water that flowed,
Just out from the brink of the hill.
6. His eyes were for evermore closed,
And damp was his bright golden hair,
And in his sweet lips he did hold,
The rose that he took from her hair.
[1] Recorded from Abie Shepherd, Bryson City, N. C. See JAFL Vol. 42
p. 278, Vol. 45 p. 89.
15. JACKY FRAZER [1]
I. There was a wealthy merchant,
In London he did dwell;
He had one lonely daughter,
The truth to you I'll tell.
2. Sweethearts she had plenty,
To court her day and night,
But none but Jackie Frazer
Would suit her heart's delight.
3. Her father called unto her,
And quickly she came in;
"Good morning, Mrs. Frazer,
Is that your sweetheart's name?"
4. "Oh daughter, cruel daughter,
My voice you will mind;
I'll lock you in some dungeon,
Your body I'll confine."
5. "Oh father, dearest father,
My body you'll confine,
There's none but Jackie Frazer
Will ever suit my mind."
[1] See no. 31. Recorded from Abie Shepherd, Bryson City, N. C. See JAFL Vol. 20 p. 269, Vol. 35 p. 354, 377; Cox p. 330; Campbell and Sharp p. 160.
16 A. ALICE'S JEALOUS LOVER [1]
1. Last eve the moon shone brighter than it ever had shone before,
Alice's jealous lover came to her cottage door.
"Come, love" said he, "and let's wander down in the meadow gay,
And undisturbed we'll ponder and appoint our wedding day."
2. Deep, deep down in the meadow he lead his love so true;
"The way is so dark and dreary that I'm afraid to go.
I would retrace my footsteps, if you will let me go."
"Retrace your way? No never! For from here you cannot fly."
3. "No other arms can save you, oh Alice, you must die."
"What have I done, dear Edward, that you should take my life?
You know I always loved you and would have been your wife."
Deep, deep into her bosom he plunged the fatal knife.
4. "Farewell, dear, loving parents, I'll roam these hills no more;
In vain you'll wait my coming, by the little cottage door."
The birds sang in the morning but doleful were their sounds;
They found her form so lifeless upon the cold, cold ground.
5. Deep down in the meadow, where the violets are in bloom,
There lies the fair young Alice sleeping in the gloom;
We know not how she suffered, know neither how she mourned,
We know that words were spoken, "Please, Edward, take me home."
[1] Recorded from Abie Shepherd, Bryson City, N. C.
16 B. FLO ELLA [1]
1. One night as the moon shone brightly, the stars were shining too,
To her litle cottage window a jealous lover drew;
"Come," says he, "lets wander to yonder wood so gay,
In one sturbless (?) plunder (?) we'll plan our wedding day."
2. The way grew dark before her, says she, "I'm afraid to stay."
One little eye grew weary, "I'll under take my way."
"Out in the woods I've got you, you have no wings to fly,
No human arms can save you, Flo Ella, you must die."
[1] Recorded from Jess Hearst, Juniper, Tenn. JAFL Vol. 20 p. 264, Vol. 30 p. 344, Vol. 45 P. 130; Cox p. I97.; Hartness and Brown p. 59.
17. LITTLE MARY PHAGAN [1]
1. Little Mary Phagan
She went to town one day,
She went to the pencil factory
To get her last week's pay.
2. She left her home at eleven
She kissed her mother goodbye
Poor little Mary Phagan
Knew not she had to die.
3. She entered the pencil factory
Frank met her at the door,
He smiled and said, "Little Mary,
You'll never see home any more."
4. He sneaked along behind her
Into the other room
Poor little Mary Phagan
She met her fatal doom.
5. There on her bended knees to Frank
Poor little Mary plead
He grabbed a stick out of the waste box
And hit her on the head.
6. The tears streamed down her rosy cheeks
The blood streamed down her back
She remembered telling her mother
The hour that she would be back.
[1] Recorded from Lella Heart and Jess Hearst, Juniper, Tenn. "Little Mary Phagan" in a new ballad based on the murder of Mary Phagan on Aug. 5, 1913 in the National Pencil Co. factory, Atlanta, Ga. Leo M. Frank and Jas. Conley were suspected of the murder. On Aug. 26, 1913, Leo Frank was found guilty of murder and sentenced to death, but many believed him innocent and there was widespread protest. Mass meetings were held throughout the country, organizations and prominent individuals sent protests. Feeling ran high and the case became an issue in the senatorial campaign. It was before the public for two years and on June 22, 1915, Gov. Slaton commuted Frank's sentence to a life term. On the 17th of the following August a mob kidnapped Leo Frank from the Ga. State Prison Farm and lynched him. (See Times Index for 1913, 1914, 1915). See JAFL Vol. 44 p. 105.
18. OLD MAID SONG [1]
1. I'll not marry a-tall, a-tall [2],
I'll not marry a-tall.
I'll not marry a man that's rich
He'll get drunk and fall in the ditch.
I'll not marry a-tall, a-tall
I'll not marry a-tall, a-tall
I'll not marry a-tall.
2. I'm determined to live an old maid, live an old maid,
live an old maid.
I'm determined to live an old maid,
Take my stool and sit down in the shade.
I'll not marry a-tall, a-tall,
I'll not marry a-tall.
3. I'll not marry a-tall, a-tall,
I'll not marry a-tall.
I'll not marry a man that's poor
He'll go begging from door to door.
I'll not marry a-tall, a-tall,
I'll not marry a-tall.
4. I'm determined to live an old maid, live an old maid,
live an old maid,
I'm determined to live an old maid,
Take my stool and sit down in the shade.
I'll not marry a-tall, a-tall,
I'll not marry a-tall.
[1] Recorded from Lella Heart, Juniper, Tenn.
[2] This is of course "at all" but was sung as written.
19. THE BRAVE ENGINEER [1]
1. Yonder comes old F and D, she's the fastest on the line,
Running over Cenor2 road, she's the fastest on the line,
And when she left old Knoxville, she was a quarter ahead of time.
2. Longing to see sweet Georgy on the Pennsylvania line,
George's mother came to him, in sorrow she did sigh,
"Son take this letter and take warning how you run,
You're going over the Cenor road twenty minutes ahead of time."
3. "Mother, oh mother, your advice I will take heed,
I know I'll run my engine right and I know that hit will speed
Over the roads I'm bound to fly, go like a canon ball
And when I blow for the crossing be sure to heed the call."
4. George said to the firing Jack, "Just a little more extra speed,
We're going over the Cenor road with a speed that's never been seen."
Up the road the engine went into the rocks it crashed,
Upside down the engine turned on George's tender breast.
5. He was lying on the firebox door and the flame all roaring within,
Glad to die on the Cenor road and to die a good engineer.
George's doctor came to him saying, "Darling son, lay still
For the only hopes that ye may git will be God's holy will."
6. George's mother came to him saying, "Darling son, lay still."
"It's too late, mother, it's too late, my doom is almost filled;
My face and hands is mingled in blood, I'm blind and cannot see,"
He clapped his hands, the poor boy said, "Nearer my God to Thee."
[1] Recorded from Lella Heart, Juniper, Tenn. JAFL Vol. 29 p. 400; Cox p. 221. 2 C & O.
20. THE TWELVE APOSTLES [1]
Twelve were the twelve apostles,
Eleven were eleven that went to Heaven,
Ten were the ten commandments,
Nine were the nine so bright they shine,
Eight were the Gabriel angels,
Seven were the seven stars fixed in the skies,
Six of them are the waiters,
Five are strivers,
Four gone over the pool,
Three was the gospel maker,
Two was a little white babe all dressed in green,
One is one and always one and never more shall be so.
[1] Recorded from Mrs. David Owenby, Elkmont, Tenn. This song was used as a lullaby by the singer, her mother and her maternal grandmother. "Hit jest come down that away," said Mrs. Owenby. She could not explain from six down. See JAFL Vol. 24 p. 321, Vol. 45 P. 36; Hartness & Brown p. 83; Sharp p. 226; Campbell and Sharp p. 3.
21. GO READ THE THIRD OF MATTHEW [1]
1. Go read the third of Matthew
And read the chapter through
It is a guide to Christians
To tell them what to do.
2. In those days come John the Baptist
In through the wilderness
A preachin' of the gospel
Of Jesus righteousness.
3. Then come to him three Pharisees
For to baptized be
But John forbade them saying
Repentence bring with thee.
4. Then I'll baptize you freely
When you confess your sins
Own your saviour and
Tell how vile you've been.
5. Then come the blessed saviour
For to baptized be.
He was baptized in Jordan.
The scriptures read to me.
6. He come out of the water
The spirit from above
Descend upon him
In the likeness of a Dove.
7. A voice from heaven proclaiming
This is my only son
And I am well pleased
In all that he has done.
8. Come all ye who say you love Jesus
Come prove you love the Lord
And follow his example
Recorded in the word.
[2] Pinkney Owenby, Gatlinburg, Tenn. The singer believed nos 24 and 26 were composed by Preacher Evans but Mr. Owenby also attributed "The Little Family" to Evans. Evails, who was born in east Tennessee was a Baptist preacher who preached to the Cherokee Indians and also to the white people living in the mountains of east Tennessee and North Carolina during the latter part of the nineteenth century.
22. THE LITTLE FAMILY [1]
1. There was a little family that lived in Bethanee,
Two sisters and a brother composed this familee;
Mary, Martha and Lazareth, in praying and in singing,
Both morning and in evening, they raised their voices high.
2. They lived in peace and pleasure, full many a lonely year,
And laid away their treasure beyond this vale of tears;
Though poor and without money, their kindness made amends,
Their house was ever open for Jesus and His friends.
3. But while they lived so happy, so pure, so kind, so good;
Their brother was afflicted and rudely thrown in bed;
Poor Martha and her sister now wept aloud and cried,
But still he grew no better, he lingered on and died.
4. The Jews went to the sisters, put Lazareth in the tomb,
And tried for to comfort and drive away their gloom.
And Jesus heard the tidings, far in a distant land,
And slowly did he travel to see the lonely band.
5. But when Jesus was a-coming, Martha met Him on the way,
And told Him how her brother had died and passed away;
He cheered her and He blessed her and He told her not to weep,
For in Him was the power to wake him from his sleep.
6. But when Jesus was a-coming nigher Mary ran and met Him too,
Feel at His feet aweeping and rehearsed the tale of woe;
But when Jesus saw her weeping, He feel aweeping too,
And wept until they showed where Lazareth was entombed.
7. They rolled away the cover, He looked upon the grave,
And prayed unto the Father, His loving friend to raise.
Then Lazareth in full power, come from the gloomy mound,
And in full life and figure, he walked upon the ground.
8. So if we but love Jesus and do his holy will,
Like Martha and like Mary, like Lazareth use him well,
From death he will redeem us and take us to the skies;
And bid us live forever where pleasure never dies.
[1] Recorded from Pinkney Owenby, Gatlinbury, Tenn. See JAFL Vol. 25 p. 17, Vol. 35 P. 388, Vol. 29 p. 182; Cox p. 407.
23. 'TIS AWFUL AWFUL, AWFUL [1]
1. Death is a melancholy call
A certain judgment for us all
Death takes the young as well as old
It takes them in its arms so cold.
'Tis awful, awful, awful.
2. I saw a youth the other day
Just in his prime a lookin' so gay
He's trifled all his time away
And dropped into eternity.
'Tis awful, awful, awful.
3. As be lies on his dying bed
Eternity begins to dread
He says "Oh, father, pray for me
For I am bound for eternity
'Tis awful, awful, awful.
4. A few more breaths may be perceived
Before this young man takes his leave
He cries "Oh, Lord, I see my state
But now I fear it is too late."
'Tis awful, awful, awful.
5. His corpse was laid beneath the ground
With brothers and sisters a-standing around
With aching hearts and troubled minds.
To think in hell the brother's confined.
'Tis awful, awful, awful.
6. Life is the time to serve the Lord
The time to insure the great reward
And whilst the lamp holds out to burn
The vilest sinner may return.
Be joyful, joyful, joyful.
[1] Recorded from Pinkney Owenby. The first four lines of the last stanza are from one of Isaac Watts' hymns. See The Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs, ed. by Samuel M. Worcester, Boston 1837, Hymn No. 88, p. 337.
24. YOUNG MEN AND MAIDS PRAY LEND ATTENTION [1]
1. Young men and maids pray lend attention,
To these few lines I'm going to write,
Of a pretty youth how I mention
I courted a lady fair and bright.
2. But when her parents came to know it,
They strove to part us day and night;
3. Down on her bended knee she bowed,
Saying, "Father, father pity me!
Don't let my true love be denidd,
Of all this world can do for me."
4. She wandered, she wandered a great way from them,
She wandered the green meadows round,
She wandered along the broad green rivers,
And under a green shady tree sat down.
5. She pulled out her silver dagger,
She pinned it through her lily white breast;
Saying "Farewell to my true lover,
Farewell, farewell I'm going to rest."
6. Her true love being on the river,
He thought he heard his true love's voice;
He ran, he ran like one distracted,
Saying, "Dear heart (?) I feel quite lost."
7. Like stars her black eyes opened,
Saying "My true love, you've come too late.
Prepare to meet me in old Zion,
Where all our joys will be complete."
Oh let this be a woeful warning
To all who keeps true lovers apart.
[1] Recorded from Lizzie Fletcher, Rugby, Tenn. The last two lines of admonition were not given until Earnest Brooks, a Rugby boy who was present, said "That isn't all--you've left off the best part." Then the singer, with many wise shakes of her head, sang the last two lines. See J AFL Vol. 20 p. 267, Vol. 30 p. 362, Vol. 35 P. 374; Cox p. 350.
25. TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS [1]
1. The first day of Christmas my true love sent to me
A partridge on a pear tree.
2. The second day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves and a partridge on a pear tree.
3. The third day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Three collie birds, two turtle doves and a partridge on a pear tree.
4. The fourth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Four fren-chens[2] three collie birds, etc.
5. The fifth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Five gold wrens, four frenchens, etc.
6. The sixth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Six geese a-feeding, five gold wrens, etc.
7. The seventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-feeding, etc.
8. The eight day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Eight nightingales singing, seven swans a-swimming, etc.
9. The ninth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Nine deer a-running, eight nightingales singing, etc.
[1] Recorded from Lizzie Fletcher, Rugby, Tenn. The singer said that while this song is called "The Twelve Days of Christmas" she had heard only nine. She learned it in the 70's from a women who came from Virginia.See JAFL Vol. 13 p. 229, Vol. 18 p. 56; Sharp p. 224; Hartness and Brown p. 86.
[2] This is of course French hen but the singer pronounced it as given with the accent on the first syllable. She said it must be a bird of some kind since all were birds except the last.
26. KITTY WELLS [1]
1. I never shall forget that day,
When we together 'round the dells,
I kissed her hands, I named the day
When I should marry Kitty Wells.
Chorus: The birds were singing sweetly in the morning,
The myrtle and the ivy were in bloom,
And the sun on the hill tops dawning,
When they laid her in the tomb.
2. But death broke in her cottage door
Hit stole from me my joy and pride,
But when I found she were no more,
I laid my banjo down and cried.
3. They ask this darky why he weeps,
What makes the tears roll down his cheeks,
Because the loss of my dear one,
Is all my joy and fun.
[1] Recorded from John Keller, Wolf's Creek, Tenn. John Keller learned this from Bill Crumb. Both Keller and Crumb were born and reared in east Tennessee. According to Keller, Crumb knew one or two more stanzas. See Cox p. 395; Shoemaker p. 141.
27. THE TEXAS RANGER [1]
1. Come all you Texas Rangers where ever you may be;
This story I may tell you which happened unto me.
My name is nothing extra, to you I need not tell,
But here's to all you rangers, I sure do wish you well.
2. About the age of sixteen, I jined the happy band,
I marched from western Texas on to the Rio Grand.
Our captain he informed us, perhaps he thought 'twas right,
"Before we reach yon station, my boys, we'll have to fight."
3. I saw the Indians coming, I heard them give a yell,
My feelings at that moment no human tongue can tell.
I saw the glittering bayonets, the bullets round me hail,
My heart did sink within me, my courage almost fail.
4. I thought of my old mother, in Texas she did say,
"To you they are all strangers, with me you'd better stay."
I thought she was old and childish, the best she did not know
And my mind was set on ranging and I was bound to go.
[1] Recorded from John Keller, Wolf Creek, Tenn. This singer learned this from Bill Crumb, who said he had learned it from a man who had been in Texas. See JAFL Vol. 35 P-. 417, Vol. 45 P. 281; Lomax p. 44.
28. LILLY HUGH [1]
1. There was a wealthy merchant
In London he did dwell;
He had one only daughter,
The truth to you I'll tell,
Oh Lilly, Lilly Hugh
Oh Lilly, Lilly Hugh.
2. This young lady she was courted,
By a young man siree,
This young lady she was courted,
By Jack, the sailor boy.
Oh Lilly, Lilly Hugh.
Oh Lilly, Lilly Hugh.
3. Your waist it is too slender,
Your fingers are too small,
Your cheeks too red like roses,
To face a canon ball.
Oh Lilly, Lilly Hugh
Oh Lilly, Lilly Hugh.
4. I know my waist is slender,
My fingers too are small.
But it wouldn't dash my contenance
To face ten thousand balls.
Oh Lilly, Lilly Hugh
Oh Lilly, Lilly Hugh.
[1] See No. 17. Recorded from Fannie Murray, Knoxville, Tenn. The singer learned this and the two following fragments from her paternal grandfather who was born in Knoxville, Tenn. in 18oo. His parents came from Londonderry, Ireland. See JAFL Vol. 45 P. 76; Cox p. 330. (The father objects to the love affair and Jack goes to the war. Then Lilly goes to the war and they tell her.)
29. NO HOME, NO HOME [1]
1. "No home, no home," said a little girl,
As she trembling stood on the marble steps,
And leaned on the marble wall,
And leaned on the marble wall.
2. "I must freeze," she said as she covered her head,
And strove to cover her feet
Her tattered dress was all covered with snow,
Yes, covered with snow and sleet.
3. The prince he slept in his velvet bed
And dreamed of his silver and gold,
The little girl she slept in the snow
And mummered, "So cold! so cold!"
[1] Recorded from Fannie Murray, Knoxville, Tenn. See JAFL Vol. 28 p. 70, Vol 45 p. 66; Cox p. 446.
30. (NO TITLE) [1]
1. Just as free a little bird as I can be
Just as free a little bird as I can be
I go out on the hillside and sing all day
Just as free a little bird as I can be.
2. Oh its who's going to shoe my little feet
And its who's going to glove my little hand
And its who's going to kiss my red rosy cheeks
When we're in some far distant land.
3. And my father he will shoe my little feet
And my mother she will glove my little hand
And my sister she will kiss my red rosy cheeks
When we're in some far distant land.
[1] Recorded from Ernest Brookes, Rugby, Tenn. Two stanzas from "Lass of Loch Royal" have been used in combination with a totally different fragment to make a child's song. This was taught Ernest Brookes when he was a small child by his paternal Grandfather who was born and reared in east Tennessee. See Child No. 76; JAFL Vol. 30 p. 304; Campbell and Sharp p. 197.