The Murdered Brother- Bowerman (VA) 1932 Scarborough C
[From Scarborough, "A Song Catcher" 1937, p. 406(C); text, pp. 183-84--also is Bronson No. 3. He says, "This tune appears corrupt: the F# can hardly be traditional."
R. Matteson 2014]
The Murdered Brother- Sung by Ora Keen Bowerman, Russell Fork, Council, Va., c. 1932.
p /E /D (inflected VII)
1. What is that blood all on your hand?
My son, Please tell to me.
It is the blood of my guinea greyhound
That chased the fox for me.
2. I never saw hound's blood so red,
My son, please tell to me.
I: is the blood of my guinea grey mare
That ploughed in the fields with me.
3. There never was mare's blood so red,
My son. please tell to me.
It is the blood of my dear brother
That worked in the fields with me.
4. What did you and your brother fail out about?
My son, please tell to me.
Fell out about a hazel-nut bush,
Although it was a tree.
5. Oh, what will you do when your papa comes home?
My son, Please tell to me.
I'll step my foot on yonder steam-boat,
I'll sail across the sea.
6. What will you do with your wife and child?
My son, please tell to me.
I'll leave them here with you, dear mother,
For to keep you company.
7, Oh, what will you do with your house and land?
My son, please tell to me.
I'll leave it here with you, mother,
For you to sell for me.
8. When will you be back again?
My son, please tell to me.
When the sun sets on yonder hill forever,
And you know that will never be.