The material below the line is from FOLK SONGS OF THE WEST VIRGINIA HILLS, by Patrick Gainer, 1975. Dr. Gainer's title and introduction suggest a supernatural interpretation, but the words of this version do not actually mention the supernatural.

The book does not give the date when the song was collected. Some of the songs were collected as early as 1924. If I find out more, I'll let you know. I'll try to post "O Where Are You Going? I'm Going to Linn" tomorrow.

Kent
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THE DEVIL'S QUESTIONS
(CHILD 1, "RIDDLES WISELY EXPOUNDED")

   This ballad has not been reported previously from West Virginia tradition. It was sung by Blanche Kelley, Gilmer County. The devil asks the maid difficult questions, which she must answer satisfactorily or be carried off to hell. When she answers the questins wisely, the devil disappears.

   The word "peart" in the refrain is a dialect word meaning cheerful and becoming.

If you can't answer these questions to me,
O maid so peart and bonnie,
Then you'll be mine and go with me,
and you so peart and bonnie.

O what is higher than the tree?
O maid so peart and bonnie,
And what is deeper than the sea?
And you so peart and bonnie.

O what is louder than the horn?
O maid so peart and bonnie,
And what is earlier than the morn?
and you so peart and bonnie.

O heaven is higher than the tree,
As I am peart and bonnie,
And hell is deeper than the sea,
And I am peart and bonnie.

O thunder is louder than the horn,
As I am peart and bonnie,
And sin is earlier than the morn,
And I am peart and bonnie.