Hi,

TY, for the Bayard version. I have transcribed two other Bayard ballads from youtube. Many of Bayard's versions are excellent. See also his Irish version of Twa Sisters published by Barry in BFSSNE vol. 9 and 10. Bayard and Barry were two of the top New England (Bayard from PA) folk song authorities. Barry also published the first complete version of Twa Sister with "Wind and rain" refrain (1931), another distinct form with resuscitation stanzas. Barry wrote in 1935: "This version of The Two Sisters is unique: it is perhaps the most primitive that has survived in English tradition." He also labeled the Child versions of Twa Sisters to EE (failing to mention what Child AA and BB were).

Here's the oldest extant "Rolling" version from Georgia:

"Down by the Waters Rolling." Sung by Mrs. G. A. Griffin, learned in Georgia from her father before 1877, collected in Florida in 1937 by Morris.

There was two sisters living in the East,
By rolling, by rolling;
There was two sisters living in the East
Down by the waters rolling.

They were both courted by the young landlord,
By rolling, by rolling;
They were both courted by the young landlord,
Down by the waters rolling.

He gave the oldest a gay gold ring,
By rolling, by rolling;
He gave the oldest a gay gold ring,
Down by the waters rolling.

He gave the youngest a gay gold pin,
By rolling, by rolling;
He gave the youngest a gay gold pin,
Down by the waters rolling.

The eldest one shoved the youngest one in,
By rolling, by rolling;
"Sister, oh Sister, oh hand me your hand,
Down by the waters rolling."

"You can have the landlord and all his land,
By rolling, by rolling;
You can have the landlord and all his land,
Down by the waters rolling."

* * * *

Richie