The version we learned in grade-school (in Michigan in the 60s): Here I sit on Buttermilk Hill Who could blame me cry my fill And ev'ry tear would turn a mill Johnny has gone... Me oh my I loved him so Broke my heart to see him go And only time will heal my woe Johnny.... I'll sell my flax. I'll sell my reel (wheel?) Buy my love a sword of steel That it in battle he may wield Johnny... That's all I remember; not sure if there was another verse or not, but the ones about dying her petticoat red do not ring a bell...
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