The Two Brothers- Bennett (NC) 1918 Sharp K
[Not necessarily a local title. From Cecil Sharp and Maud Karpeles: English Folk songs from the Southern Appalachians; Oxford, 1932.
R. Matteson 2012, 2014]
K. The Two Brothers- Sung by Mrs. VIRGINIA BENNETT at Burnsville, N. C, Sept, 13, 1918
Hexatonic (no 3rd).
1. On Monday morning going to school
And Friday evening coming home:
The ladies all a-rolling a ball,
And the gents a-throwing a stone.
2 He wrestled him up and he wrestled him down,
Till he wrestled him to the ground.
3 What will you tell to my father dear
When he calls for his son John ?
I'll tell that I left you in the Mackintaw woods
A-learning your hounds to run.
4 What will you tell to your mother dear
When she calls for her son John?
I'll tell that I left you in the old school-house
With a long, long lesson to learn.
5 What will you tell to your sister Susan dear
When she calls for her brother John?
Til tell that I left you in the cold grave-yard,
No more for her to see.
6 She took her banjo in her arms,
Her harp strung to her back.
She harped till she harped the fowls from the air
And the fishes from the sea.
7 She harped till she harped brother John from his grave.
Sister, what do you want with me?
One sweet kiss from your sweet ruby lips,
This world's not long for me.