The Lowlands- Barnett (MO) pre1912 Belden B
[From Ballads and Songs from Missouri Folksong Society, 1940. Contributed by Mrs. George H. Barnett in 1912 whose mother learned it from 'a girl who came from Kansas to Missouri shortly after the close of the Civil War.'
B. 'The Lowlands'- Mrs. George Barnett (MO) pre1912 Belden B
There came a ship from the northern countree
It sailed by the name of the Golden Willow Tree.
It was sailing on the Lowlands so lowly, oh, so low,
It was sailing on the Lowland's so low.
'O captain, O captain, what will you give me
To overtake the Golden Willow Tree?
They will sink us in the Lowlands etc.
'I have money, I have a fee,
Besides an only daughter your wedded wife shall be
If you'll sink them in the Lowlands, etc.
Then he smote his breast [1] and away swam he
To overtake the Golden Willow Tree.
They were sailing in the lowlands etc.
Some were playing card's, while others playing dice,
And some were giving the very best advice,
For they're sailing on the Lowlands etc.
He had an instrument all fitted for the use,
He bored nine holes in the bottom all at once,
Crying, 'Oh, the Lowlands etc.
'O captain, O captain, take me on board
And be unto me as good as Your word,
For I've sunk them to the Lowlands etc'
'Oh no,' said he, I'll not take you on board.
Nor be unto You as good as my word;
For you've sunk them to the Lowlands etc.
Then he smote his breast and down sank he,
Bidding adieu to the Yellow Golden Tree,
Crying, 'Oh, the Lowlands so lowly, oh, so low,'
Crying, 'Oh, the lowland's so low.'
1. Usually "bent on his breast" meaning "bent over." "Smote" found in several versions means to "beat" or "hit" one's breast. "The Female Spectator" (London) Vol. 3, 1755, No. 13, p. 53: Then, indeed, touched by this sudden remonstrance, he smote his breast and cry'd, I have sinned against the Lord.