I learned this off the County LP about 40 years ago and used to do it with some judicious mumbling, though I haven't sung it in years. The mp3 is a little clearer than the old vinyl but there are still 2 places that elude my ear in a casual audition. Overall it goes like this: In my boyish days I thought that I was grand Acted just like a little man Loved a pretty little curlyheaded girl I'd lead her around by the hand Fair as a lily wherever she goes Her lips just as red as a rose I asked her to be mine when the spring comes shine [? that's what it sounds like -- when the spring sun shines, maybe?] And that'll be in honeysuckle time. Now sixteen well I'm twenty-nine [again, ? but what it sounds like] Sweet little girl of mine ... say that you're mine Be married in honeysuckle time Fair as a lily wherever she goes Her lips just as red as a rose I asked her to be mine when the spring comes shine [again] And now it's honeysuckle time A couple of instrumental passages, then repeats from Fair as a lily wherever she goes Cf this page: http://campbellstories.com/storytellers/zane-campbell/writings/a-family-album-of-hillbilly-braggarts-preachers-and-drunks/ The whispered story is that Guy Brooks wrote the song in re: some mountain feelings for his niece, so the 16-29 thing may be correct after all! At any rate, try Zane Campbell for the lyrics; he says he knows what they are. And if you get them, come back and tell the rest of us!
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