The Two Crows- Gainer (WV) 1912 Gainer
[My date. From: Folk Songs from the West Virginia Hills (Seneca Books, 1975). Patrick Ward Gainer (1904-1981) was raised by his grandfather in rural Gilmer County. WVU: "Gainer grew up within a family bearing a rich singing tradition. He often credited his grandfather F.C. Gainer with providing his early musical education and his chief inspiration."
This is credited to Gainer's grandfather, however, his attributions have proven to be inaccurate. Patrick's notes follow.
R. Matteson 2014]
THE TWO CROWS- (CHILD 26, "THE THREE RAVENS")
It is not at all surprising that the West Virginia versions of Child No. 26 are fragmentary, for the versions in Child's work are fragmentary. My grandfather Gainer used to sing this song to me when I was small.
1. There were two crows sat on a tree,
Tattery nan de tario,
And they were black as crows could be.
Faira nay tareno, tattery nan de tario.
2 And the one he said unto his mate,
Tattery nan de tario,
"What shall we do for grub to ate?"
Faira nay tareno, tattery nan de tario.
3 "There lies a man on yonder plain,"
Tattery nan de tario,
"Whose body has been lately slain."
Faira nay tareno , tattery nan de tario.
4 "We'll perch upon his long backbone,"
Tattery nan de tario,
"And pick his eyes out one by one."
Faira nay tareno , tattety nan de tario.