...this song in the AP Hudson "Folksongs of Mississippi" collection is noted as a story song whose "intent is to exhibit the cleverness of the girl in verbal fence with her father"...from Mrs. G.V. Easley, Tula., Mississippi...

Will Ray

O Papa, dear Papa, please tell me
Just what you think of Will Ray
And if he should ask for your daughter
Dear Papa, what would you say?

O Daughter,dear, how you have shocked me
To think you are so handsome and gay
Would offer to step from your level
And marry that pauper, Will Ray

O Papa, don't speak so cruel
Your words make me sad
If I can't marry young Willie
My life will be lonely and sad

O Daughter, I've something to tell you
You mind just what I say
You know John Burns the banker
Is coming to see you today

O Papa, young Johnnie's so wealthy
And Willie's so poor as you say
But Johnnie is coming tomorrow
And Willie will be here today

But Daughter, I've something to tell you
Tis hard to tame a wild bird
I said you should marry young Johnnie
And I will never go back on my word

But, Papa I've something to tell you
T tell you about John Burns
His money has vanished and left him
And the wheel of his fortune turns

And Papa I've more to tell you
It's something about Will Ray
His uncle has died and left him
A cool hundred thousand, they say

Now, Daughter I've nothing to tell you
You mind just what I say
Don't bother with Johnnie no longer
But marry your handsome Will Ray

But, Papa, young Johnnie's so lonesome
He feels his loss very bad
His parents both died and left him
And that 's what makes him so sad

No matter, my daughter, I tell you
I wnat you to marry Will Ray
And shine in your satin and laces
And be the bright star of the day

But Papa there's no need of talking
It's hard to tame a wild bird
I've promised to marry young Willie
And I'll never go back on my word