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User Name Thread Name Subject Posted
GUEST,Melinda Lyr Req: The Dreary Dream (John Jacob Niles) (8) Lyr Req: Dreary dream 27 May 15


I am looking for lyrics to a song fragment that I heard many many years ago.

The person singing it said they only knew a few verses, and they called it "Dreary Dream." It was referred to as a song fragment, they thought there was more to it, but they had never learned it. I think I heard it at a Girl Scout camp or event, or something along those lines. I was a kid in Arkansas, and that was long before I got into the ideas of tracking sources for balladry, so that is all the background info that I have. The verses have always stayed with me, and I have always wanted to learn more.
Here are the verses that I remember.

Dreary Dream

I have dreamed a dreary dream.
It's I have dreamed of sorrow.
I dreamed my love lay beneath a tree,
All in a bed of yarrow.
I dreamed my love lay beneath a tree,
All in a bed of yarrow.


And Who will read my dreary dream?
It's who will read my sorrow?
I dreamed of my love, beneath a tree,
All in a bed of yarrow.
I dreamed of my love, beneath a tree,
All in a bed of yarrow.

It's I will read your dreary dream.
It's I will read your sorrow.
Your love lies, slain, beneath a tree
All in a bed of yarrow.
Your love lies, slain, beneath a tree
All in a bed of yarrow.


That's all I know, but it has stayed with me for decades, tune and all. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Melinda LaFevers
Producer "The Traditional and Folk Music Hour"


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