MAY I SLEEP IN YOUR BARN TONIGHT, MISTER?

One night it was dark and t'was raining
When along came a tramp in the rain
He was making his way to the station
To catch a long distance train.

May I sleep in your barn tonight, Mister?
It is cold lying out on the ground
And the cold North wind, it is blowing
And I have no place to lie down.

Now, I have no tobacco nor matches
And I'm sure I will do you no harm
I will tell you my story, kind mister
For it runs through my heart like a thorn.

It was three years ago last Summer
I shall never forget that sad day
When a stranger came out from the city
And said that he wanted to stay.

Now, the stranger was fair, tall and pleasant
And he looked like a man who had wealth
In his eyes there, a sad look was present
Said he wanted to stay for his health.

Now, my wife thought his board and his lodging
Could afford to keep us a home
So we took in that tall, handsome stranger
Who later did break up our home.

One day, as I came from my workshop
I was whistling and singing with joy
I expected a kind-hearted welcome
From my sweet, loving wife and my boy.

But what did I find but a letter
It was placed in a room on a stand
And the moment my eyes fell upon it
I picked it right up in my hand.

And, this note said my wife and the stranger
They had left and had taken my son
Oh, I wonder if God up in heaven
Only knows what this stranger has done?


Except for verses 5 and 6 (added from another source), this text is the one
found in Brumley's
"Lamplitin' Songs & Ballads" (1977). Tune is from Brumley.


@tearjerker @hardtimes @poverty
filename[ SLEPBARN
Tune File: slepbarn.nwc (Joe)
Feb07
mudcat.org

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