Taranty My Son- J.P.T. (New England) 1905 Barry M
[My title, no location listed, I assume it's New England. From Traditional Ballads in New England II by Phillips Barry; The Journal of American Folklore, Vol. 18, No. 70 (Jul. - Sep., 1905), pp. 191-214.
R. Matteson 2011]
M. [Taranty My Son] Contributed by J. P. T., as recollected from childhood.
1. "Oh, where have you been, Taranty, my son?
Oh, where have you been, my dear little one?"
"I've been to see granny, mother make my bed soon,
For I'm sick at the heart, and fain would lie down."
2. "What had you for supper, Taranty, my son?
What had you for supper, my dear little one?"
"Fresh eels, fried in butter, mother make my bed soon,
For I'm sick at the heart, and fain would lie down."
3. "What will you leave father, Taranty, my son?
What will you leave father, my dear little one?"
"A purse full of money, mother make my bed soon,
For I 'm sick at the heart, and fain would lie down."
4. "What will you leave mother, Taranty, my son?
What will you leave mother, my dear little one?"
"A box of fine jewels, mother make my bed soon,
For I'm sick at the heart, and fain would lie down."
5. "What will you leave sister, Taranty, my son?
What will you leave sister, my dear little one?"
"A coach and six horses, mother make my bed soon,
For I'm sick at the heart, and fain would lie down."
6. "What will you leave granny, Taranty, my son?
What will you leave granny, my dear little one?"
"A rope for to hang her, mother make my bed soon,
For I'm sick at the heart, and fain would lie down."