Sweet william- Mrs. Tyler (MO) 1939 Randolph D
[My title. From Vance Randolph, Ozark Folksongs, Vol. 1, British Ballads and Songs. Randolph reviews the various English and American texts, and notes that "Some very similar lines are found in "Captain, Oh Captain" as recorded phonographically by Vernon Dalhart." Only the first two verses of Dalhart's version are similar to tradition, the others are from an arranger.
Randolph's master title for Sailor Boy (Sailor's Sweetheart) is vague and usually used for other similar but different ballads.
R. Matteson 2017]
68. THE SAILOR'S SWEETHEART
D. [Sweet William] - Contributed by Mrs. Ruth Tyler, Neosho, Mo., Jan. 1, 1939.
Sweet William went to serve his King,
One morning early in the Spring,
It worried his heart, it troubled his mind,
To leave his darling one behind,
I'll build myself a little boat,
Out on the ocean wide I'll float,
I'll hail all ships that's passing by
To hear my own dear lover's cry.
Captain, captain, tell me true
Does my sweet William sail with you?
No, madam, no, he is not here,
He's drownded in the depths, I fear.
Go dig my grave both wide and deep,
Place a marble stone at my head and feet,
And on my breast place a turtle dove .
To show the world that I died for love.