The Cruel Bother- House (NC) 1916 Sharp A
[From Sharp's EFSSA, 1917 and 1932,
R. Matteson 2014]
THE CRUEL BROTHER- Sung by Mrs. Hester House at Hot Springs, N. C, Sept. 15, 1916
1. There's three fair maids went out to play at ball,
I-O the lily gay,
There's three landlords come court them all,
And the rose smells so sweet I know.
2. The first landlord was dressed in blue,
He asked his maid if she would be his true.
3. The next landlord was dressed in green,
He asked his maid if she'd be his queen.
4. The next landlord was dressed in white,
He asked his maid if she'd be his wife.
5. It's you may ask my old father dear,
And you may ask my mother too.
6. It's I have asked your old father dear,
And I have asked your mother too.
7. Your sister Anne I've asked her not,
Your brother John and I had forgot.
8. Her old father dear was to lead her to the yard,
Her mother too was to lead her to the step.
9. Her brother John was to help her up,
As he holp her up he stabbed her deep.
10. Go ride me out on that green hill,
And lay me down and let me bleed.
11. Go haul me up on that green hill,
And lay me down till I make my will.
12. It's what will you will to your old father dear?
This house and land that I have here.
13. It's what will you will to your mother, too?
This bloody clothing that I have wear.
14. Go tell her to take them to yonders stream,
For my heart's blood is in every seam.
15. It's what will you will to your sister Anne?
My new gold ring and my silver fan.
16. It's what will you will to your brother John's wife?
In grief and sorrow the balance of her life.
17. It's what will you will to your brother John's son?
It's God for to bless and to make him a man.
18. It's what will you will to your brother John?
A rope and a gallows for to hang him on.