The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #35233   Message #770525
Posted By: Dicho (Frank Staplin)
23-Aug-02 - 08:07 PM
Thread Name: Help: Age of 'East Virginia'?
Subject: RE: Help: Age of 'East Virginia'?
Richie, I got somewhat different words for the Stanley Brothers, also more verses. You list as Carter Family, then say it is the version sung by Ralph Stanley ??

Verse 1.
(Same)
Verse 2.
On her breast she wore white linen.
(Otherwise same)
Verse 3.
Molly dear, go ask your mother
If you my bride might ever be
If she says no, come back and tell me
And I'll run away with thee.
Verse 4.
No I'll not go ask my mother Where she lies on her bed of rest.
For in her hand she holds a dagger
To kill the man I love best.
Verse 5.
Same as Richie's verse 3 (Green back dollar floater)
Verse 6.
Same as Richie's verse 4 (The ocean's deep)
Verse 7.
I'll go back to East Virginia
North Carolina ain't my home
I'll go back to East Virginia
Leave old North Carolina alone.
Verse 8
Oh you know I'd like to see you
At my door you're welcome in.
At my gate I'll always greet you
For you're the girl I tried to win.

Taken from: Stanley Brothers. East Virginia Blues
The Stanley Brothers were noted for changes in words from performance to performance. The website above lists source recordings under discography but I haven't checked.