The House Carpenter- Flowers (MS) 1930 Hudson B
[No date given, from the book, Folksongs of Mississippi by Hudson, which was completed in 1930. This version surely would date back 50 years.]
The House Carpenter- Text obtained by Miss Allie Ward Billingsley, Winona, from the singing of her grandmother, Mrs. J. E. Flowers, who was born in Montgomery Co. and spent all her life there with the exception of a few years of her childhood in Nashville, Tennessee.
1. "We've met, we've met, my own true love
We've met, we've met," said he.
"I've just returned from the salt salt sea
And 'twas all for the sake of thee."
2 "For I could have married a king's daughter,
And she would have married me,
Bur I refused three crowns of gold,
And 'twas all for the love of thee."
3 "If you could have married a king's daughter,
I'm sure You are to blame,
For I am married to a house carpenter,
Who I think a very fine young man."
4 "If you'll forsake your house carpenter,
And go along with me,
I'll take you to where the grass is growing green
On the banks of the salt, salt sea"'
5 If I forsake my house carpenter,
And go along with you
What have you to support me on,
Or to keep me from slavery?"
6 "I have ten ships all sailing on sea;
They're sailing for dry land-
One hundred and fifty seaman boys,
Whom I think a very jovial band."
7 She picked her dear baby up,
And gave it kisses three,
Saying, "Stay at home, my dear little babe,
For to keep your father company."
8 She dressed herself in scarlet clothes,
Most glorious to behold,
And as she sailed upon the sea,
She sparkled like glittering gold.
9 She had not been on board two weeks-
I'm sure it was not three-
Before this fair damsel began to weep,
And she wept most bitterly.
10 "And what are you weeping about, my love?
Is it about my rich array? Is it about my store?
Or is it about that house carpenter
Whom you will never see any more?"
11 " 'Tis not about your rich array
I'm sure 'tis not your store,
But 'tis all about my dear little babe
Whom I shall never see any more."
12 She had nor been on board three weeks-
I'm sure it was not four-
Before this fair damsel jumped into the sea,
And she sank to rise no more.